thorned crown of the underworld

all the gods of darkness and the underworld have a shared fate -- the one of relentless revenge. 

[velcs]

If you can see the future, why didn't you warn Pan of his demise? Did you want him to die?

"Just because I can see into the future, doesn't mean I'm looking into it. Pan never came for a reading, and I don't meddle into other people's - especially Gods' - business." Veles waved his hand dismissively. That wasn't entirely true, but he was not going to elaborate on it anyway. Pan's future was cryptic, hidden from his sight.

[velcs]

attaboyutu:

Utu pressed his fingertips against his lips, listening as Veles continued with what he sensed. · It was always fascinating, to hear a prophetic god speak. ·Humans had their oracles and prophets; now their mediums and psychics, but that was different. ·Veles didn’t need to curb his visions with another god - which was why Utu had never asked for a reading. ·

Maybe he should’ve, earlier. ·Maybe it would’ve saved everyone - Pan - from their current fates. ·And yet, as Veles spoke of the mysterious entity spying from his shadows, the Slavic god didn’t seem ominous or a harbinger of doom. · He seemed…excited.

Of course he did. ·Whatever was lurking in the shadows was new and different. Gods could get easily bored, after eternities. There was only so much entertainment that humans and other non-deities could provide. Often, pantheons could then start cannibalizing themselves or other pantheons, like an ouroboros. ·Utu had seen it before, his own Mesopotamia falling through Sumerians, Akkadians, Hittites, later the Persians and Greeks, Turks and Mongols and so forth. ·Gods were borrowed, transferred, traded, stolen. ·Irrelevant or forgotten ones were wasted away.

Utu knew that state of being well.

So Veles, it seemed, felt confident this intruder would be revealed. ·“I can just imagine you shining light into your own shadows, just to reveal this hidden lurker. ·I’d be happy to help - what’s shadow without a little light, after all.” ·Utu gave Veles a tired, teasing little wink, but it seemed his aura glowed just a bit brighter in the darkness of Veles’ niche.

On a whim, because Veles had come through for Utu, they slugged back the second shot of vodka along with the Slavic god. ·“Cheers for all of this, man. ·I mean it. ·It’s - well to be honest none of your portends are particularly reassuring but at least you’ve given some sort of order in the chaos. Something is out there, and it’s watching. ·Okay. ·That’s a start.”

He left the bottle of vodka with Veles as Utu stood up. ·“If the speakeasy’s ever slow, you can always come up to the coffeeshop to do a few readings, ·Honestly, I don’t mind. ·Coffee-buzzed humans coming to you for fortune-telling, instead of drunken ones. ·How’s that for a change?”

That was certainly a good idea - a team up between darkness and light ; the two of them could definitely shine some light into the shadows of the dark. A great idea, indeed. “Consider me tempted for a team-up. We ought to get ourselves a code name. I think the Contradictory Duo sounds ironic enough.” He grinned, taking another sip of his drink.

Ominous portends. Oh, that sounded about right for most of his predictions. Also unfortunately, most of those predictions came true in the end. Veles chuckled, offering Utu a light shrug. “That is, I’m afraid, beyond my control.” A pause, before he continued ; “But, yes.there is something watching us. Someone. Quite possibly hanging out with us daily without anyone noticing. Such things are always hidden in plain sight. Mimicry at it’s finest.”

He knows the conversation has come to an end, and so he nodded, lips pursed together in thought - though, if he’s honest, he’d have to admit that Utu’s offer, while welcome, came as quite the surprise. Not too long ago, the Sun god was looking for any and all opportunities to get him to... yeet.

“It’s certainly something to consider, thank you. And if my... presence will be of service to the shop itself... do let me know.”

[velcs]

alxxkto:

Alekto was comfortable in the shroud of darkness, and they knew that Veles was akin in that matter. There was a necessity in it. Neither of them could walk into the light without consequences. A bemusing thought. When mortals were so fearful of vampires and fixated on what goes bump in the night. Alekto canted their head as Veles purred and cooed like he was a man on a high. They were going to offer him their drink but Veles fucking took it anyway. They scowled, if he dared to pour it away they were going to have his head. They’d fucking post it to Dodola when she descended next. “You aren’t celebrating you’re musing. I fucking hate muses.”

They grit their teeth, if Veles wanted to deprive them of their fun then so be it. Alekto fetched their e-cig instead. “They’re all rotten.” They mutter, as they exhale vapour through their nose. Everyone in this room stunk to high hell. Everyone of course but Aušrinė. In amongst the bleak, the awful, the terrible, they still shined. Albeit not as bright. “Maybe not all of them.” They sighed. Lekto. He had worn them down on that particular moniker. No longer did Alekto flinch and leap to wrap their hands about his neck. Especially not when they were floating above the rest. Even if he was trying to ruin their fun.

“Who do you think is capable of such an act? Of destroying a god with such reckless hubris and gormless annihilation?” Alekto rounds on him. If Veles was going to ruin their fun then they would seed out the tendrils of ire, and impassion him with something else. With hatred. With anger and hurt. “As much as I love your other half I do not see him being capable of such an act. I don’t believe I’m biased in the matter either, he’s too wild. I don’t believe the valkyrie could do it either.” But was that because they refused to believe it?

There was no way Bryn would do that.

Alekto chewed on their bottom lip. “You know you aren’t the only god of death in this room tonight. Did you feel a disturbance when Pan died? Kalfou says the crossroads blinkered, or some shit I don’t know what he said.” Frankly they hadn’t been listening.·

They’re all rotten.

Well, they weren’t wrong - not entirely. Even the most innocent, and good, of souls had a spec of rot in their hearts, in their bones. Such things were, ultimately, inevitable. Sweetness often starts to fester, rotting a person from the inside out - and usually, those divines and flimsy mortals with sweetest of smiles held the most decay in their saccharine selves. But, before the glumness of the event takes over, Veles snorts at their words. “What, all nine of them? I find Kleo very... interesting. If mortals and gods listened to her more, then history wouldn’t be a repetitive cycle.” He took another sip, but the feeling of rot returned, and he pursed his lips together in thought.

Yes, perhaps not all of them - nor right now, that is.

His dark gaze slithers across the room, before his attention returned to the fury in beside him. He wondered if he should say - that even those whom they don’t see as rotten, are not too far away from rot. Hesitating but for another heartbeat, Veles finally spoke, voice distant. “Remember, Alekto, all sweetness rots in the end.” Not a single deity exists that, in all these eons since the Dawn of Time, had not been tainted by a speck of darkness, a smidgen of rot... timeless decay that softly nibbles at the Soul. Ironically enough - or, perhaps, thankfully enough - all those dark and rotting deities have been the most resistant of it ; though not entirely.

But, little Lekto spoke again and, for once, Veles did not hiss at the mention of Perun. This Divine Murder called for some kind of leniency - not quite a truce, and definitely not peace, but... perhaps a ceasefire until the murderer is caught. “No. I see neither of them capable of it. The Valkyrie, and Perun, are both creatures of the moment. They are volatile and instinctive in their fighting. When they fight, and when their rage blinds them, all of their reason and self control seeps away. This was... quite a bit more than that. This was planned. Meticulously. Executed with precision and barely a trace behind - this was execution, in a way.” He paused, turning to look at the fury that’s become something of a... family to him. “When was the last time you’ve talked to her?” Their sister, Megaera - the fury that punishes infidelity ; and Pan reeked of it. “Pan had many enemies, but this one festered for a long, long time. Given his... character, and the whispers I heard from the shadows, there are quite a few suspects. Hephaestus. Kanaloa. Kalfou. Perhaps even Hebe, if you take her... recent character into consideration.”

They spoke again, and Veles pursed his lips in thought - they certainly rose a good question. Did he feel something odd? Oh, undoubtedly. He felt... darkness. Shadows that weren’t his own, shadows that came from secrecy, shrouding and shielding the murderer from his sight. He felt something when Pan died - pain, surprise, defiance, desperation... sadness. All those things mixed within him, feelings that were not his own.

“I did. I felt him die.”

[smoking-mirror]

velcs​:

smoking-mirror:

True, with every cycle came the capacity to learn more. For Tez it came with an opportunity of more conflict, another chance to take her rightful place on top. A place that had been ripped from her as often as it had been claimed. And each time she was a little bit better at keeping it. “Consequences…” Tez repeated, twirling her e-cig around her fingers. “May we always outrun them,” she gibly said, raising her vape in a mock-toast to the serious god of final judgement.

“So you think this descension is his comeuppance?” Tezcatlipoca asked, trying to figure Veles out. There was a true hatred for Perun there, long-lived and well tempered. All because… what? He stole a woman? He was arrogant and prideful? That would be enough to have Veles hate most deities. “What do you think it’s going to teach him? How to throw a proper tantrum? How to be a moody bastard? Humility?”

With that last point Tez felt a shiver of understanding. A reflection in her inner mirror. “It’s not about teaching him a lesson…” she said, tilting her head to a side. “It’s about besting him. Being better than him.” Now that, she could understand. Tez leaned her head back and chuckled. “How alike we are…”

If this was a conversation held in his Divine Halls, his vein would’ve popped. But, since they’re now two almost mortals dreading the consequences… he couldn’t say he blamed her desire to outrun the shady parts of her character - he wasn’t all that different, either ; judgement God or not. He had… shady parts of his characters pretty well hidden, so far. Now, if only the rest of the divine populace knew the lengths he went to make Perun… well… less fork-y. “No one enjoys the consequences. So, now, we agree.” He grinned, raising the glass in return of her gesture.

“Perhaps.” Veles replied after a moment. Perhaps it really was Perun’s punishment. After all, he is a God of judgement, and many times he’s judged the Thunder god guilty. Maybe this truly is his punishment - long overdue. Snorting in amusement at Tezca’s guessing, he shrugged. “I doubt he will ever learn the meaning of humility, it’s not in his nature. But, he might learn a thing or two, now that his… punishment has come. Or however you like to call it. Maybe he’s just starting a trend, trying to be an influencer at bad descensions.” He chuckled.

But, when she spoke again, she hit a little too close to home - and Veles’ grin widened.

“Perhaps.”

There was a definite darkness to Veles, the horrors of his pantheon’s underworld. Tezcatlipoca as she caught a glimpse of it, present in the wry smile as he admitted that perhaps she was correct. “Perhaps…” she repeated, blowing out a  plume of vapour. “Veles,” she said, leaning forward to the god. “I think I know you half as much as I should like to,” Tez smiled, amused and intrigued by Veles, this dark streak that grew all the stronger whenever his rival was mentioned. She stood up from his table, eager to taste the rest of Kan’s delights. “Perhaps we can work on that when we next meet,” she suggested, looking again at the cards he had played for her, risk, an opportunity. Time would tell if he had been correct.

|||| END

[velcs]

alxxkto:

Location: Attaboy! @velcs··

Alekto weaved through the heaving crowd, a mix of moods and a mix of people had communed together in honour of Pan’s memory. They had incidentally clung to familiar faces all night long, it hadn’t been their intention, if Alekto was being honest they weren’t going to come at all. After Kan’s party they’d felt like a raw wound, festering in the dark underbelly of the city. Doing what Tez ordered them to do – because it was the only thing that alleviated the pain. That, and they were sure their sisters would go, and that they couldn’t stand. Alekto had skirted as far from them as they could for it all. Gravitating towards a man they could count on and through the thick of it all, Veles looked like shit if they were honest. But then, he always did. The curse of being second best.

“V!” They cried, bringing with them a drink for each of them. They thought it was apt they’d found him in a dark corner. “Why’re you hiding like this?” Alekto leant against the back wall of Attaboy! From here one could see the entirety of the wake congregation. So they supposed, it was a good place to observe. Which, was devoid of all fun but it was also devoid of pain. Alekto was starting to hate sucking on their front teeth whenever someone aptly strolled up and said, ‘sorry for your loss.’ Then they’d look at them with pity, not fear. To have the confidence! To have the balls to waltz right on up and tell them what to feel.

“I thought you’d be celebrating,” they said dryly, their eyes haunting him as they tried to unfurl the thread. Was Veles the murderer? He had access to Pan’s apartment. If it was Veles would they delight in terrorising him? Probably.

“He wouldn’t want you to be sucking eggs in a corner, go ride a dick and take that pole out of your ass.” They laughed, their high carrying them as they downed another shot of bee’s knees.

He always had a plan. Truthfully speaking, he wasn’t the kind to be... choked up about anyone’s death, not really. it’s not like he couldn’t see them in the Underworld once they yeeted from this plane of reality. But... this death was different. It felt... permanent - permanent in a way very few deaths felt. This? This was a complete annihilation of one’s soul - and it’s not something a mortal can do, no. Only a god has such a power - or a monster.

And so, Veles found himself lurking in the very place where he belonged - in shadows, in the very corner of Pan’s memorial. But, his solitude was short lived, before a familiar voice hollered out his nickname - they were quite possibly the only entity he allowed to call him V. His lips quirked up in an amused grin, his watchful gaze fixing upon the approaching Fury. He could vaguely remember seeing their sister Megaera in the crowd as well, but unlike Alekto, he didn’t... really mingle with the fury of infidelity - lest she’d find his balls fit for a target practice ( though, to be quite fair, is it cheating if your wife’s dead? is it cheating if another man’s wife is unhappy and willing to entertain herself with him? if there’s anyone Meg should have a target practice on, it’s Perun. and Dodola, but as a gentleman he’d never find her truly at fault here. ).

“I am celebrating.” Veles purred, when Alekto reached his presence. “I’m watching them. All the Divines, all those... hearts and souls fit for judgement.” There was a dark undertone in his voice, the kind of tone only a god of the Underworld can have. “What do you think, Lekto? Is the destroyer around?“ He’d say a murderer but... Pan was not dead - he was destroyed. Deader than dead.

“True, but I doubt he’d want to be dead in the first place.” He snorted, ignoring their usual kinky remarks and plucking a drink from their hands. “Come now, don’t you think this is a better way to spend tonight? I am no detective, but I am a god of death and the dead. Among other things, that it. Lend me that brain of yours, tell me who do you think smells... rotten in this case.”

[velcs]

smoking-mirror:

True, with every cycle came the capacity to learn more. For Tez it came with an opportunity of more conflict, another chance to take her rightful place on top. A place that had been ripped from her as often as it had been claimed. And each time she was a little bit better at keeping it. “Consequences…” Tez repeated, twirling her e-cig around her fingers. “May we always outrun them,” she gibly said, raising her vape in a mock-toast to the serious god of final judgement.

“So you think this descension is his comeuppance?” Tezcatlipoca asked, trying to figure Veles out. There was a true hatred for Perun there, long-lived and well tempered. All because… what? He stole a woman? He was arrogant and prideful? That would be enough to have Veles hate most deities. “What do you think it’s going to teach him? How to throw a proper tantrum? How to be a moody bastard? Humility?”

With that last point Tez felt a shiver of understanding. A reflection in her inner mirror. “It’s not about teaching him a lesson…” she said, tilting her head to a side. “It’s about besting him. Being better than him.” Now that, she could understand. Tez leaned her head back and chuckled. “How alike we are…”

If this was a conversation held in his Divine Halls, his vein would’ve popped. But, since they’re now two almost mortals dreading the consequences... he couldn’t say he blamed her desire to outrun the shady parts of her character - he wasn’t all that different, either ; judgement God or not. He had... shady parts of his characters pretty well hidden, so far. Now, if only the rest of the divine populace knew the lengths he went to make Perun... well... less fork-y. “No one enjoys the consequences. So, now, we agree.” He grinned, raising the glass in return of her gesture.

“Perhaps.” Veles replied after a moment. Perhaps it really was Perun’s punishment. After all, he is a God of judgement, and many times he’s judged the Thunder god guilty. Maybe this truly is his punishment - long overdue. Snorting in amusement at Tezca’s guessing, he shrugged. “I doubt he will ever learn the meaning of humility, it’s not in his nature. But, he might learn a thing or two, now that his... punishment has come. Or however you like to call it. Maybe he’s just starting a trend, trying to be an influencer at bad descensions.” He chuckled.

But, when she spoke again, she hit a little too close to home - and Veles’ grin widened.

“Perhaps.”

[velcs]

attaboyutu:

Veles started with his smooth riddles, and Utu was willing to entertain them. ·In truth, there was something pleasing, listening to Veles’ oracle-adjacent words. ·Reading between the lines of his shuffling fingers. · ·This was the first time that Utu had come to Veles, like a nervous drunk mortal seeking answers from a psychic. ·Utu wasn’t drunk, though he did wish he was.

Utu watched Veles…go away. ·Not entirely. ·Half in this plane of existence and half somewhere else. ·It wasn’t a ruse; Veles connection to his underworld was as expansive as his dead. ·But Utu cut through the haze with a bemused response, ·“So you’re saying: Don’t feel bad, we’re all gonna die? ·What are we, relying on mortal philosophies now? ·C’mon man…” ·Utu motioned for a server, getting a bottle of tequila - no. ·Vodka. ·And some peanuts. ·Maybe he did need to be a bit tipsy to hear Veles out.

But Veles insisted, actually looking at Utu now, which was unnerving to say the least. ·The music playing in Utu’s mind - Pan’s song, written for a sun god - rolled to a sluggish pace like a record played on slow. ·Still in time with the thumpa-thumpa beating in the club, still melodic, at least. ·

The vodka came, and Utu poured for them both.

Something is brewing in the horizon.

“You sure it’s not just another sunrise you’re visioning, Vel? ·It happens every day, so I’ve heard,” Utu said with a bleak little smile, as they cheers’d Veles and slugged the first drink back. ·The second, they’d nurse.

The truth was Utu didn’t like the way Veles was speaking. ·Okay, he appreciated the honesty, in Veles’ conclusions. ·Veles was not holding back. ·He was literally assuring Utu not to be frightened….by telling him the most frightening prophecy imaginable.

Unbelievable. ·Incorrigible.

“Okay. Change of plans. ·Join me, Veles,” he said, touching the bottle of vodka. ·It remained chilled, but seemed to illuminate from Utu’s touchpoints, swirling with a new, glowing, goldish dust. ·Sun dust. Utu poured Veles another of the newly-energized liquor. ·“No more speculating, no more fear. ·Let’s go forward in true Pan-style, and lift our glasses to Alekto. ·Least they’re doing something, right? ·Me, I’m just planning more ways to grieve the sleazy old goat.”

Gods or mortals, when the talk of death, true death, arrives, they are all the same - they are all afraid. It was... a reasonable fear. After all, who does not fear oblivion? Who does not fear the cease of existence, of Life? Perhaps Veles does not, or perhaps he only fears eternal life itself. The thought of having an expiry date is... exhilarating. It has been so, so, so long since he had felt anything even remotely close to excitement. Let alone surprise. He had not been surprised in over a millennia - mostly just disappointed ; and exasperated.

“Eventually, yes. Every ascension is a death of some sort, isn’t it?” He retorted with a serpentine grin, fingers curling around the glass of strong liquor he had in front of him. A sip, a hum, and then his attention returned to the God in his company. “I’d be careful in my steps, Utu. Something is spying from the shadows, and keeps itself hidden from my shadows. I can’t see what it is, or who it is. A faceless enemy is the most terrifying kind. However - “ he paused, throwing back the glass and fixing his attention to the crystal glass in his hand. “All hidden things must one day come to sight. Shadows are mine, and I won’t let a faceless foe hide like a coward from them - or from me.”

He could sense the discomfort bubbling within Utu - he couldn’t say he blamed him ; after all, who wants to hear a dark, gloomy prediction? The change of air was necessary, and welcome, as was an offer for another drink - he could really use another drink right now. Chuckling, Veles set the crystal glass back on the table, and tapped the rim. “Utu, please. I’m Slavic. I’ll never refuse a good drink.” When Utu spoke again, Vel found himself humming in agreement. Alekto was volatile, yes, but just like his boss had said... at least they did something.

“He will be missed, yes. In all these... ascensions and descensions, Pan had always been the most consistent one. His nature barely changed, and I respected him for it. Not all of us can stay the same.”

[alxxkto]

velcs​

“Well, do I look Norse? No. Are my knickers in a twist over something that’s highly unlikely to spread to my pantheon and my dominion? Also no. So, problem solved.” He chuckled. “You know, the world would’ve been a much better place if everyone just… minded their own fucking business. If they’re scared of Ragnarok, why shove it in our faces? So we could interfere? So we could make it our problem as well, when it’s… not? Absurd. I take care of my own, and those I like enough to help. I don’t like the Norse that much, and I have a good few individuals in my proximity that I do care about to implicate them in something that’s, again, not our business to begin with.”

Alekto kept talking about Perun, and he found himself shrugging at their words. It was his… well, interference, but it wasn’t his problem. Not anymore. Maybe this time he’ll have a peaceful descension. Though, knowing Perun… he wouldn’t bet on it. And neither would his cards. “Alekto, my dear, you keep talking about Perun like I give a rat’s ass about the bloke. I am hearing you, but my brain is singing along to Cocomo. Let it go.” He smirked, the grin widening as they mentioned Pan. “Yes, his lack of change is truly refreshing.”

Calling him daddy, publicly, made him snort out in amusement. Reaching up, he patted the Fury’s head, and gave her a fatherly nod. Two can, indeed, play this came, and he was thoroughly enjoying himself so far - it was a nice little step out of the ordinary, and… if he’s honest, it reminded him so much of his time with Marzanna, when she’d visit him in the Underworld.

“Off you go, sweetie. Remember to stay safe! Give my regards to Pan.” Veles teased.

END.

[velcs]

alxxkto:

Non kinky way. Alekto pouted. A shame! There was more to life than being a stuffy grumpy old shit that Veles fronted at all times. He was taking the daddy life far too seriously. They sucked on their e-cig and exhaled with a slight shudder as the vapour took them two notes higher. “Yes. You might not care for ragnarok. Neither do I but the norse have their knickers in a twist over it.” Alekto barked a laugh. “I’d love to see little Fenrir descend.” They idly wondered if Fenrir did if they’d take a human form or something else entirely. Monsters scarcely descended, as if there was an invisible barrier keeping them from the mortal world – presumably their fellow gods. They wouldn’t be so sure on Veles assurance that Fenrir runs from them all. They didn’t even like to considered themselves in that class either. One of the gods.

“Something is off about Perun. He’s usually much more…” Alekto paused, considering their choice of word. Lawful. Annoying. Shit-head. Bastard. Three mile barge pole up his ass. “Much much more infuriating.” Alekto wasn’t entirely sure what had changed, or if he had finally seen the light after eons of descensions. It had never struck Alekto as likely that they’d enjoy the company of Perun, much less seek him out above others. The satyr. Their favourite. Their personal annoyance. Alekto chewed on their e-cig. “He’s the same old, same old.” Pan ensued chaos as much as he did love, if it could be called love.

“Speaking of the devil. He probably wants tugging off now that he’s primly sheared and made himself up.” Alekto snorted, their laughter coming easily as they slid out of Veles’ booth. Sure enough there was a handful of mortals that were tip-toeing around them at a distance, but sending furtive glances towards Veles. “Daddy I think you’ve got an audience.” They flicked the end of their e-cig in the gaggle of mortals’ direction and then tapped it against the table. “I’ll catch you on the flipside sugar lips.”

"Well, do I look Norse? No. Are my knickers in a twist over something that’s highly unlikely to spread to my pantheon and my dominion? Also no. So, problem solved.” He chuckled. “You know, the world would’ve been a much better place if everyone just... minded their own fucking business. If they’re scared of Ragnarok, why shove it in our faces? So we could interfere? So we could make it our problem as well, when it’s... not? Absurd. I take care of my own, and those I like enough to help. I don’t like the Norse that much, and I have a good few individuals in my proximity that I do care about to implicate them in something that’s, again, not our business to begin with.”

Alekto kept talking about Perun, and he found himself shrugging at their words. It was his... well, interference, but it wasn’t his problem. Not anymore. Maybe this time he’ll have a peaceful descension. Though, knowing Perun... he wouldn’t bet on it. And neither would his cards. “Alekto, my dear, you keep talking about Perun like I give a rat’s ass about the bloke. I am hearing you, but my brain is singing along to Cocomo. Let it go.” He smirked, the grin widening as they mentioned Pan. “Yes, his lack of change is truly refreshing.”

Calling him daddy, publicly, made him snort out in amusement. Reaching up, he patted the Fury’s head, and gave her a fatherly nod. Two can, indeed, play this came, and he was thoroughly enjoying himself so far - it was a nice little step out of the ordinary, and... if he’s honest, it reminded him so much of his time with Marzanna, when she’d visit him in the Underworld.

“Off you go, sweetie. Remember to stay safe! Give my regards to Pan.” Veles teased.

[velcs]

smoking-mirror:

“What is fair is a matter of perspective,” Tez plainly said, pulling out her e-cig and twirling it around her fingers. “A brave, just warrior to one is a brutal, blood-thirsty killer to their victim. If you wish to talk of things that are not fair… Is it fair that we may play at being mortal, descend and ascend to our choosing, never suffering the consequences of our foolishness? How many have you killed, or have been killed in your name? How many of your followers have you forsaken? Can you ever make up for it?” Tezcatlipoca took a drag of her e-cig, blowing lilac smoke towards Veles. “What sort of death do you wish for, Veles? A strike of lightning will send you to paradise.” Tez smiled amicably at the underworld deity, as if what she said was only a jest between two good friends. “May we all pray for a good death.”

She sat up as Veles talked of what he had to learn. “Your rival is in bad shape this descension, isn’t he?” Tezcatlipoca casually noted. In previous descensions Tezcatlipoca and Perun had been near-equals. “I suppose you would see it as a fitting punishment?”

Twisting words, and twisting tales, but Tezcatlipoca was not entirely wrong. There were Divine Laws, yes, but like all things made by Gods, or mortals, laws has loopholes. He hated those loopholes, but sometimes... they were a necessary evil. Still, she spoke again, and he laughed. “Who says we learn nothing? Who says there are no consequences?” Veles purrs, the deity of justice in Death, and the god of Underworld, knows better than to think all these ascension/descension cycles are a farce.

“Come know, Tezca, you know me better than to assume. I never forsook my mortal worshipers. Unless you count the times I’ve spent dead, thanks to the Almighty.” He spits Perun’s title with sarcasm laced words. But, she spoke of death again, implying another... thunderous demise, and Veles finds himself grinning at her. “Electrocution is quite unpleasant, let me tell you. If I am doomed to die, dearie, I die on my own terms.” When she spoke of Perun, his mouth quirked up in a pleased smile.

“Well, you can’t say he didn’t deserve it. He’s always been arrogant, and prideful. Maybe this fucked up descension finally teaches him something.”

[velcs]

attaboyutu:

“I think everything you do with your cards is interesting, Vel,” ·Utu replied pleasantly, but it was tinged with that continued underlying implication: just wish you didn’t do it here. ·Except of course, Utu wouldn’t say that aloud. ·It wasn’t about Veles’ feelings (he’d probably find it more fun to dig in, if Utu announced their displeasure); it was about business.

People loved Pan. ·They were drawn to Veles. ·He was good for business.

So Utu smiled and slid into the offered seat without hesitation. He idly scratched at his beard as he eyed at the cards, and Veles’ long, clever fingers cutting and tipping them. ·It looked like the usual casual sleight-of-hand, but Utu thought it was more. ·He wanted there to be more. ·A nervousness in Veles, perhaps. ·Or a disturbance at least. ·

“I don’t think I need to be happy right now,” they murmured from behind their fingers. Utu leaned in closer to Veles, as if they needed the further privacy. ·But he wanted to meet Veles’ dark gaze with his own clear one. ·

“Should we be scared?” Utu was already worried. “And why Pan? ·He’s never done anything…” ·What, bad? ·Sketchy? Troublesome? ·Aggravating? ·Wrong? ·“...that…awful,” Utu selected awkwardly. ·Utu sighed, looking around wistfully as if hoping Pan would pop up, and Veles and Pan slap each other jovially and laugh at Utu for believing the elaborate prank. ·

Nothing happened. Utu switched gears.

“Did you see Alekto at Kanaloa’s party? ·Hooo boy, those furies…”

🐍

Everything he did with cards was interesting - cards themselves were interesting. When it comes to tarot, finding a nice ass deck is essential. He had a poker deck, a solitare deck, and a wonderful black-and-gold art deco deck - that was his favourite, and the one he used in truly dire situations ; such as this one. Truthfully speaking, Veles was more than aware that Utu did not like having him in Attaboy! He also knew that, given the current news, there is nothing Utu can do to evict him from his favourite place of business. He needed the traffic Veles was giving him - even more now that a God was found dead.

“It’s not about need. It’s what’s smart. You can mourn the dead, but you don’t have to join them with your glumness. He will not the first of us to die.“ He said, shuffling the deck, not quite... present as he spoke. The god of the underworld has seen things with his mind’s eye. Heard it in the underworld he reigned for so, so long. Utu’s question brought him back from the perusal of the Real of the Dead, and his dark gaze fixed upon the boss. “Like I said, he will not be the last of us to go. Something else is brewing on the horizon, I sense things will... slowly get out of hand for all of us. But, I wouldn’t recommend giving in to the fear. Whaever is coming up next... it’s counting on us running around like headless chicken. I’d say headless horsemen, but he was... crafty. And not scared.” Veles chuckled at the latter. When Utu mentioned Alekto, he pursed his lips together - he wasn’t thrilled at their little outburst, but... he can’t say he blamed them.

“It could’ve been done a little less... violently, but they are a creature of justified violence. Granted, it is made as a punishment, but you can’t say they were completely at fault there.”

[velcs]

alxxkto:

Lekto. If it was anyone else they’d have been punted out of their mortal body back onto the astral plane. Veles was lucky they tolerated him. It was enough to distract them into accepting his proposal that he was lacking in nothing regarding himbo-ism. Or, at the very least they didn’t try to argue with him for a second time. Alekto sucked on the end of their e-cig inhaling the feverish shimmering vapour and exhaling as Veles declared his hotness. This in particular sent them into a fit of laughter, sharp and heady as Veles drawled on, and on, and on. What’s not to like! “Yes I believe the mortals would love to call you daddy.” Alekto snorted, and though they wouldn’t admit it out-loud they’d have to agree.

Veles was many things, and in most descensions, perhaps particularly this one, he was a bastard. Just not feisty enough for Alekto’s tastes. After all looks were only half the battle. It was one of the many reasons Alekto was relentlessly drawn to Pan. They’d fucked and fought for three descensions. But kept themselves separate and distant back home.

“Yes you snakes are so dastardly, aren’t you?” They leant on the table with one elbow, and an eye on the bar. “Not sure…” Which was a lie. They knew of at least two – possibly the only two that had descended as of yet. Alekto hummed, fiddling with the cartridge of their e-cig. “One of the valkyries has descended. Runs a gym called The Hall.” They snorted. “If Ragnarok has finally come then we are all doomed.” Not strictly true. Alekto liked to think they would out-live all the shitty gods. So many lived, died, and resurrected in an endless, mind-numbing cycle.

“None of the norse fuckers seem to be having issues.” Alekto shifted, their gaze returning back to Veles razor sharp. “Wonder if Perun’s little fuckery is an isolated incident or a sign that desecensions have an expiry date.” They’d all been descending and living amongst mortals for centuries, for an eternity, no-one knew the precise limits. They all lived within an unspoken glass cage. Alekto was keen to know how much pressure could be exerted before it shattered. “Pan certainly ain’t having any issues.” They noted with a shark-toothed grin.

Staring at Alekto, Veles had to keep himself from bursting out in a fit of laughter - a god of the underworld, chuckling at the thought of being dubbed as ‘daddy’ among mortals? Absrud. His reputation would fly out the nearest window. "Aside from your stone cold ass, who wouldn’t call me daddy?” He muttered, keeping up with his act of annoyance and, if you’d like, hurt. “And before you jump to the opportunity of linguistic confusion, I mean it in a non kinky way.” He knows who he’s dealing with - the need to clarify is not for nothing. “But, compliment taken, even if it’s only the mortals who... daddify me.“

When the little Fury speaks of snakes, Veles grins. “We are. You know, snakes are revered for their powers of rebirth. Shedding their skins to make themselves anew. When I’m called a snake, I never take offense for it.“ He explained - it seemed that the only thing he was doing recently, was just... explaining everything to anyone willing to listen. Perhaps he’s truly come to that awkward age between being a “suburban” dad with three small children, and a young, smoking hot grandpa. What was the term for the latter? Silver fox? He’s not that old, yet.

They spoke again, of the Norse, and Veles found himself pursing his lips in thought. A valkyrie? Well, come to think of it... it’s none of his business. Other gods, other pantheons, even his pantheon’s gods are none of his fucking business. There’s only one god he has a perpetual beef with, and until he sees his ugly ass face in this realm, he won’t concern himself with other gods. But, mentioning Ragnarok, he laughs. “Come now, Lekto. We’ve been scaring mortals with such tales for eons now. No, better said, it’s the Norse and the monotheists who have been scaring mortals with such tales. Us Slavs? We don’t care about the apocalypse. The feuds between us are never on such a scale as to destroy the world.” He chuckled again, and patted the fury on their head. “Don’t worry, Ragnarok won’t spread to your pantheon, but if it does, you’ll be safe with my in my little Hell. Even Fenrir runs from us.”

When Alekto spoke of descensions - and Perun - Veles listened, taking a sip of his drink. That was... interesting. So, Perun’s little incident has been noticed - and written off as nothing too scary. Then again, it wasn’t exactly a coincidence that Perun came back a little... wrong. Oh, well. He’d feel sorry for him, if he cared to let go of his grudge. “Sucks for him, but I don’t see how that’s my problem. Perun’s always been volatile. Maybe we should keep an eye on all the thunder deities. I hear they’re all the same kind of headache.”

“Ah, Pan. What I truly admire about him is how committed he is to being himself. All these eons and his nature hasn’t changed one bit. If it did... he’s keeping it well hidden.”

[velcs]

attaboyutu:

Location: Attaboy!, closing time~ @velcs·

He’d almost forgotten, and Utu wasn’t sure to be thrilled or horrified.

But he’d resupplied the coffee supplies as always, and meandered down the back hallway as always - and then he stopped short, staring at the door ahead of him. ·This door usually remained locked; it was another door from an external entrance that usually led thrill-seekers into Pan’s domain below. ·This door was sealed, accessible only to the immortals who were employed (more or less) by Attaboy!

And Utu had forgotten it. ·His memory generally got jagged whenever the sun set but this was different. Four days after it was announced that Pan was dead, and Utu had somehow forgotten this door that led to the other speakeasy below. ·Pan’s afterparty, without the Pan.

He traced his symbol on the door and it unlatched, and Utu stepped into the neon dark, only to find - who else? - Veles. ·Perched where he usually set up to spin wild fortunes and mysterious portents for club-goers. ·

“Howdy, Vel,” ·he greeted Veles, his long arms folding against his chest as he leaned against a wall. ·“And here I thought the speakeasy would be empty these nights.” ·He was wrong; beyond their little corner, the revelry continued.

Utu nodded his chin towards Veles’ tools of his trade. ·“See anything interesting yet?”

🐍··

He had been waiting - for information, for a whiff of the satyr’s scent, anything that could tell him where the old goat went. Veles has been waiting - waiting to confirm what every fibre of his immortal being told him - the satyr god ain’t coming back - he is as dead as Mokosh, nonexistent, soon to be forgotten, even in mourning. It was... well, perhaps not sobering, but a little concerning. It’s not everyday that a God is murdered. It could only be a God that kills another God - no mortal could ever survive such a feat ; or accomplish it.

But, maybe a monster could.

Shaking his head, Veles refrained from thinking about monsters. When was the last time he heard of Baba Yaga, or Mora? Or any other monster out there in the vast world? Perhaps it’d be the best if he did not concern himself with such thoughts - not yet, at least. Interrupted by the welcome arrival of another God, Veles taps his fingers against a deck of playing cards - tarot was too... serious for tonight - and if he wanted to see Pan, or speaking to him, he knew the fucker wouldn’t reply via basic tarot - or a ouija. So, poker cards will have to do.

“You know how they are, Utu - prying open others’ secrets, and hidden knowledge, is an eternal trade. And in light of recent events, I don’t blame them for wanting hidden things revealed.” He allowed himself a light chuckle, but the god’s question left him with a dark look chiselled into his face. Motioning for Utu to join him, he retorted ; “That depends of what you count as interesting.”

“Quite a few things, but you won’t be too happy if I tell you what they are.” Veles added after a moment’s consideration. The things he’d seen... have not been good.

[velcs]

hebef:

“Not in my case. If people despise me for my looks, they have the decency to keep it to themselves. I can’t help that people envy me.” She shrugs, nails retracting from the table to be admired – Hebe gazing upon her own handiwork, each nail painted in a different shade of glittery pink, perfect despite being rushed. Perhaps this was merely wishful thinking – to declare herself enemy-free, or perhaps Hebe was perhaps so delusional as to think there would be nobody out for her blood. “Though maybe having a mortal enemy would be fun. Very main character energy of me.”

She tilts her head at his words. Though Hebe possessed great respect for Veles himself, she paid little heed to his alleged gift – finding that he was equally likely to be wrong in his predictions as he was to be right. Besides, someone like Hebe generally spent little time thinking about the future, choosing instead to focus solely on the present. She had no plans to build an empire, nor to leave a legacy. If this descension would be remembered, it would be for the same reason all her past lives had been – for the joy and the fun she brought, and this required little planning.

Still, the warning strikes something within her – her impassive face perhaps contorting for only a moment, before a sickly sweet smile settles back into place. “Nice try.” She says, “But I think you know better than anybody that I’m not really the type to make grand plans.”

That was certainly one way of thinking - the healthy way, at least. What others thought of her was not her problem, and he admired that mindset - it reminded him of himself. Of course, unless Perun was in question - then out of spite he’ll be whatever is the opposite of what the thunder-cunt thinks. But, when the youthful goddess spoke again, Veles found himself worrying. “Speaking from a very personal experience, having a mortal enemy is anything but fun. There are other ways you can have the main character energy, if that is what you strive for -” he chuckled at the latter, “But, trust me when I say, mortal enemies are a menace you can never shake yourself off from. Unless one of us dies permanently. And since we both refuse to keel over... we have to keep a feud going on forever. It gets bothersome after such a long time.”

Hebe spoke of her lack of plans, and Veles found himself chuckling again. Yes, he did know what she was like - all fun, and radiant, with a beaming smile, and a warm heart. Creatures like her always burned the brightest... and, often, the shortest. He wondered if her current descension would be like that - sweet, and intoxicating, but brief, and he found himself hoping that wouldn’t be the case. He enjoyed her company more than most other gods - at least she was true to her nature, without schemes, plots, and games.

“Of course, of course. But, you know, even not making plans is some kind of planning.” He teased, but added after a moment. “Still, in lieu of... recent occurrence, I’d rest more easily if you promise you’ll at least try to be cautious. I have a gnawing feeling that Pan’s death is more than it seems, and if I’m being entirely honest, it makes me worry.”

[velcs]

smoking-mirror:

Tezcatlipoca knew all about mortal rejection, of being forgotten and misremembered and then found once more. That rage still burnt at the core of her being, but it would do no good to rekindle it here. So instead Tez politely smiled, letting Veles speak. “Life was not so important to us,” Tez said, amused as always by the concept of judgement after death. “Good or evil is not important, it is how you die that decides your eternal fate.”

Tez’s attention flicked back to the cards, to Veles’ hands twisting with dramatic flourish to reveal the cards. The Wheel, a fitting card for an Aztec. Descensions were just another cycle, another rotation of the wheel, another battle for supremacy. And then came The Fool, a card Tezcatlipoca did not care for, and then Temperance.

“There is always more to learn, Veles,” Tez said, determined not to let her ego make her snap at Veles’ prophecy. It would only bring him joy to think he had annoyed her with his parlour trick. “Every descension I learn more about mortals, how they think, what drives them.” And that was what was important, what mattered. “Perhaps I should learn more about my fellow deities as well,” Tez wondered, looking over Veles. “What is it that you have to learn?”

🐍·

It was always charming to see how - in spite of all the similarities - the pantheons of the World truly different are. In Tezca’s dominion, it was the way of dying that judged the dead ( which, of course, made sense when one thinks of it better, but... it was also vastly unfair. and potentially dangerous. ). “Perhaps not, but that also might be the reason why we have so much... garbage lying around, and reincarnating, if you know what I mean. Serial murderers can die peacefully, while their victims died suffering - it is unfair for the former to have eternal peace, while the other keeps suffering over something that wasn’t even their fault.” He pointed out.

She may not have Perun’s thunderous personality, but he could sense the annoyance at his little... fortune telling. No one liked to hear things that spoke of ignorance, of lack of knowledge ( no matter how abysmal ), or something not working out for them - gods or mortals, they were all the same. Still, it was understandable - and as she spoke again, his lips twitched. Ah, there it was. Her plan, her idea. “Perhaps you should.” He teased, but then snorted in amusement at her question.

“Oh, undoubtedly. Probably something incredibly boring like... forgiveness, or making friends with one’s foes, you know, that sort of crap.” Veles chuckled ; “Looks like I’ll be here forever.”

[velcs]

joitisi:

· · “The reason time heals so well for mortals is they have so little of it. To waste that time on a petty thought or vengeance for them can seem daunting and useless, because spending a few years is more than a lifetime for some of them… for us, however? We can carry grudges through rebirths, through manifestations, through the very sight of someone igniting in us a fire again. We live forever, so we feel forever, even if we pretend to be above such.” The tone they displayed was almost deadpan, but there was a hint of lilt in there; they felt the pain… Joi missed their sisters.

· · The explanation given for whether it was out there, whatever it was, hunting them all gave Joi pause. They tilted their head, expression devoid for a moment as they seemed to stare past Veles, over the shoulder and into the shadows as percolation got their brain moving, “To defy the gods one has to be a god, and it is very likely even that would not keep us all of their scent… it’s perhaps not someone but someones and… maybe some parties were partaking unbeknownst to them.”

· · More to themselves than to Veles was that proclamation of thoughts, but they snapped out of that reverie and offered the faintest of smiles to Veles, shaking their head slowly, “Here is hoping we live long enough to find out and don’t fall under the same boot that our brethren did, yes?”

Oh, how right they were. So, so right. He kept nodding as they spoke, head bobbing in almost violent agreement. “You are right. However, if history taught me anything, it is that mortals, too, can hold... eternal grudges. Well, eternal in their opinion - to their mortals deaths. For them, resentments, and vengeance, lasts for a lifetime.” He remembered all the petty kings of old, their cousins, and everyone else who wanted to taste power - mortals loved power, especially power struggles. It made them go feral with greed, and lust - humanity’s darkest time, the time which continues to this day.

Veles puckered his lips, his hand resting on his chin, index finger tapping against his lips. Hm. That was an interesting thought. But - “Not necessarily. There are other things than Gods.” He paused, his attention fixed on the fury. “Monsters. Immortals without our level of divinity. They could all be in league.” Veles hummed in thought, stroking his chin - a millennia old quirk, ever since he sported a long, white beard descending into his hermit!mode. Perhaps in his next descension he could be a hermit again - recharge from all these... gods. And mortals, albeit the latter were, amusingly enough, less tiresome. Hearing their words, the god of the magic and the underworld ( and agriculture - a title that both vexed and perplexed many gods. not mortals, though. they were all... what’s the term again? ah, yes. vibin with him. ) allowed himself a chuckle, raising a glass in their direction.

“Here’s to hoping.” Taking a sip, Veles found himself adding ; “You know, so long as we keep to ourselves, and not... you know, go about poking our noses in other gods’ business, I think we’ll be just fine.”

[velcs]

golodgod:

he feels like something’s broken. is it? his bones are quiet but the body hums in soft aches. veles’ presence gluts his veins and splinters somewhere in his gut, their feud an open wound he’d not once endeavoured to let heal. and as the snake’s voice becomes a knife held to his throat, the need to wrap his hands around the fragile column of the serpent’s neck and snap becomes unbearable — but all perun opts to do is smile.

abruptly, his leg makes a connection with the chair, toppling it over along with the innocent bystander who just wanted to have their fortune told — “they were just leaving, змей.” he pauses then, all harsh lines, sharp angles and a smile that leaves no room for disagreement. he needs to see the scheming bastard and he needs to see him now.

“ну? чё замер? говори где я могу найти алекто.“ golden gaze then shifts from the all-too-familiar god to the lingering spectator and his smile turns into a snarl, words filling to the brim with acid as he spits: “and you — piss off before i snap your fucking neck.” the familiar hum of electricity begins to echo in his veins but he sets his jaw and pretends like this was intended.

but, truthfully, he’s just running out of time.

He doubted Kanaloa invited him, but if he did... he’d have to check if the man’s been possessed by a demon of stupidity.

When it comes to Perun, Veles has but two urges - either to sigh in an insanely heavy exasperation, or to borrow Thor’s Mjölnir, and smash him like a flea. Usually, those two urges are intertwined - and one can never tell which one will win. Thankfully for Kanaloa... it was the former. “Still as subtle as a trainwreck, I see.” He sighed, dark eyes shifting towards one of the lesser gods intending to waste his time by asking for something undoubtedly annoying. It didn’t excuse Perun’s behaviour.

“Ni dana mira od tebe.” He mumbled, curling his lip up in distaste. Honestly... he was a little surprised ; seldom the high-and-mighty Perun sought him out. The surprise quickly ebbed away when he spoke again, and Veles fought the urge to roll his eyes. He is as tactful as a whale - he thought, before deigning to answer in a rather sarcastic tone ; “Ne znam, nismo spojeni pupkovinom.”

This time, Veles truly rolled his eyes, turning a sympathetic look the other deity’s way. “Leave us, it’ll be better for you if you keep out of this.” Dark gaze returned to his archnemesis, deep frown settling between his eyebrows. Oh, Perun truly looks... horrible. Had it been anyone else, Vel might’ve been sympathetic - ever remorseful. But, it’s been a long, long, long time since he felt any positive emotion over Perun. He tilted his head to the side, observing the unruly god in his presence.

“Toliko stoljeća silazaka, a i dalje se ponašaš kao razmaženo derište.” He commented, lacing his fingers together, as he continued ; “Mora da ti svarno gori pod nogama kad si došao k meni.”