Chaldean Chronicles: Cadence of the Lostgrail

When the cold gets too much, it's best to wind down and drink some hot chocolate. Luckily, all the cabins in this small town are empty. No one will interrupt your rest.

He sat alone again in front of a fireplace that wasn’t even lit. The cold really didn’t bother him, nor really the darkness as he swirled a flask of whisky absently in his hands. He couldn’t even get drunk. He really should be spending this Christmas with anyone, but part of him just wanted to be alone tonight. The memories were just too strong and he wouldn’t be able to focus. Just try to drown his sorrows in some dark corner of an cabin so dark that to the outside it seemed empty and unused, save for the door outside that kept swinging and creaking in the wind that could draw attention.

@hei_g

Knock, knock, knock These sounds could be heard from the door as a blonde-haired goddess rapped her knuckles on the dark wood softly. When no response was heard, Ereshkigal opened the door to peek her head in, before stepping into the cabin entirely. She quickly closed the door to stop the icy winds that threatened to spill inside the small abode. But as she did, she realized the cabin was not so different from the environment outside after all. *It was only when she took a few steps in order to get accustomed to the inside of the cabin that she realized that she was not, in fact, alone. Ereshkigal yelped then flinched back before dipping her head down in apology. “Forgive me, I didn’t know this cabin was occupied. I can leave now if you would like to be left alone?”

10:33 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

He closed his eyes, typically the phantoms came to him in times like this, trapped in his own thoughts and past. Though typically they were of the war, not his time as a servant. Strange. “I don’t recall you acting like this,” he noted, the goddess would see that in his free hand was an revolver with a cocked handle, “You were more… sure fire and spirited the last time if I recall.”

10:36 AM

@hei_g

”Sir…?” she asked, eyebrows furrowing in concern. “Have I met you before?” Ereshkigal did not enjoy the cold. It reminded her of the shortcomings of her own domain— the underworld, Kur. A lifeless and bitter place, she would reverently tend to it and improve it. Not just for her own comfort, but also for the caged souls who reside there with her. And although she did not recognize the man in the cabin with her, she was sure he didn’t enjoy such conditions either. Perhaps by force of habit, Ereshkigal made her way to the unlit fireplace, then produced a small flame on the dried wood that eventually roared to life, a ghost of a smile on her porcelain face. A small gesture, but with due time, the cabin would be a much more pleasant place. One that was warm and well-lit. Although they shared the same body, this instance of Ereshkigal was vastly different from the one he had met before. (edited)

10:48 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

Francis brow furrowed as he saw her light the fire. The fire… felt real enough. She wasn’t just a figment of his grief-wracked imagination. She was real. A deep phantom pain erupted in his chest, he recalled the gigantic lance that had impaled him and slaughtered him. And then how she had… violated him. She wasn’t the same, he kept telling himself. Yet still that phantom pain. The goddess would see sadness and a tinge of pain on his face as he looked at her. “You… wouldn’t remember it.” He sighed. “Just bad memories like usual. I’m sorry I greeted you like that, ma’am.”

8:40 PM

@hei_g

”I see,” Ereshkigal mumbled weakly. “I’m sorry… I truly apologize for whatever it is I’ve done in the past. I may not remember it, but those actions were mine; therefore, it is only right that I take responsibility.” The goddess wasn’t sure of what to do next. Of course, she wanted to help this broken man, but she was sure that if she took a step closer… that action would only hurt him more. So, she stood in place looking down to avoid his pained face. Her heart felt heavy, yet she couldn’t give the feeling a name. Anger? Regret? Denial? Perhaps it was a mixture of said emotions, but Ereshkigal made sure her face gave nothing away. “Sir, I am far from a virtuous goddess. A goddess that rules over death and decay… A grave goddess who is forever tied to her governance over the Underworld. I am undoubtedly evil. A villain in the purest sense of the word.”

”Yet, even if that is true—!” Ereshkigal, in a sudden bout of bravery, raised her head to meet the other Servant’s face. Her deep sanguine eyes looked glassy as it reflected the glowing flames in the fireplace. Her facade cracked— the goddess’ expression now held deep regret and self-deprecation. Even so, there was a hint of hope, with her eyes shining with determination. “Please, if I may have one selfish request! I- I would like to atone for my sins… I am fully aware that my hands are cold, a plain reflection of my cruel heart. I don’t ask for you to forgive me, I am in no place to request that of you. But if my frigid touch can somehow heal your broken heart… even if only a fraction…! I-….” Ereshkigal stopped herself. Her eyes now filled to the brim with tears, she avoided his gaze. Instead, she pulled her hood over her face. No matter what she tried, she knew there was no way for her to ease the man’s pain. Such is the fate of an evil goddess. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry…!”

12:18 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

Francis sat there shocked. He’d far from expected this time I happen and already his heart was full of guilt for treating her like this. He dropped his revolver with a clatter, it disappearing into blue motes as it reappeared in his holster. He rose from his seat and approached her, his hands outward to show he meant no harm. How many he had hurt like this? Just because he didn’t mean to. Always the last one standing, at the cost of everyone like him. “Wait, wait that’s not what I meant,” he frantically stammered. “Please you didn’t hurt me at all. It wasn’t you I know that. And it was because of my sins I fell. Not yours. I swore to protect someone I deeply cared for and I failed. Now that’s gone from me. Please don’t fault yourself for that.” “And besides, my heart doesn’t deserve to be healed. I’d rather keep it that way,” his eyes wandered up to Eresh’s face. “It’s the least I deserve for what I did all those years ago in life. You’re not evil because you’re a grave Goddess, if anything I thank you for laying those I murdered to rest forever until the coming of the Lord.”

1:33 AM

@hei_g

“Thank you… Thank you…! You are a kind man,” the goddess said softly. “But you are wrong about one thing.” Ereshkigal approached the man, her steps light and graceful. She looked almost otherworldly, illuminated by the light of the fire. Like a ghost hovering over him, the dark haired Servant would find Ereshkigal standing in front of him. Her gaze on him was sympathetic, but not pitiful. She was familiar with the lonely look on his face— after all, she was the solitary keeper of souls, destined to tend to the dead by her lonesome for all eternity. “No one deserves to shoulder such a burden…” she continued. “Humans are imperfect beings… I know that to be true. But, even the coldest of hearts hold a small glimmer of warmth, and that is why I continue to cherish them, even in death. So please, if not for yourself, would you allow me this selfish request?” Ereshkigal truly believed that she was undeserving of Her request. To be so self-centered to ask for redemption from one she has wronged… such an action should be unheard of from a goddess. But seeing this man’s pain, she knew what had to be done, and this time, she wouldn’t back down. “Sir, I wish to hold your hand.”

2:13 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

”Ah but what would I be if I lifted it off?” Francis pondered, looking away for a moment, “I mean… to have killed all those people in such an unjust manner is such an unjust war. To let go would… would mean that I refuse to face my rightful punishment. It’s just the way it has to be. It sounds self-damaging but I chose this path so no one else could.” Without really thinking Francis reached out with his hand and allowed Eresh to take them with hers. She would feel they were coarse and rough, with gouges evidence of deep slashes caused by gripping rusted barbed wire. Clean cuts as well caused by grasping stabbing blades. And uneven knuckles broken and healed many times over. Then he asked it only after the fact with a soft and delicate voice , “May… may I ask why?” (edited)

6:44 AM

@hei_g

”No, I don’t believe you deserve to be punished so severely for your actions… You yourself were a victim, a victim of the circumstances you happened to be born into. It is pointless to put blame on yourself,” Ereshkigal told him, quite firmly. “A- and if it helps, know that I do my utmost best to care for those who’ve died. I cherish each and every soul I hold in Kur… So… hnnn—” The goddess, in her frantic attempt to console the man, decided to deceive him. The souls of humans who have passed stopped pouring into Kur after the age of gods; Ereshkigal’s job had been done a long time ago. But if it would provide comfort to him, she would hide this fact… She believed it was for the best. And because of her lie, Ereshkigal panicked, mumbling incoherently by the end of her speech. But if there was one word the Archer could make out, it would be what she said after her little outburst.

“Warm,” whispered the goddess. She caressed the soldier’s hand gently, a curious and intrigued expression on her face as she felt his scarred hands. There were still tears pouring down her cheeks, illuminated by the dim light of the fireplace. “You have gentle hands… This touch is inextricably human. Though this does feel unusual to me… I- I don’t interact with the living much.”

7:34 AM

Although it felt too soon, Ereshkigal let the man’s hand out of her cold grasp. She smiled gratefully, holding her hands back to her chest in an almost bashful manner. The goddess opened her mouth to speak, but looked away before continuing. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “Th- thank you…!” Her voice was clearer now, and she looked at the Servant in front of her. She smiled— a genuine smile that one would not expect from an evil goddess of decay. “And, one more request, if you please… I may be a little late, but I would like to know your name!” (edited)

7:34 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

”It is a joy to hear the souls I took Rest In Peace, even if it is under a foreign god,” He made a gentle smile to her, despite his typically grim face. Something on his shoulders he didn’t know was hanging over him seemed to lift a bit slightly. It wasn’t much in the grand scheme of things but at the moment he felt… better then he had for a long time. “All this just from my hands… a soldiers hands worth nothing worth something to you, huh?” Francis muttered, his cheeks flushed red at those gentle words. He blinked faster then usual and relished her soft hands playing over his. So… gentle and delicate. He almost said something in protest but held himself back. He had just met her, he told himself, such uncontrolled emotions would be unbecoming of a soldier. But did he always have to be a soldier? He didn’t know. He was about to lose himself in thoughts agains when he heard her ask his name, “M-my name is, um, Francis Pegahmagabow, Warrant Officer of her Majesty’s Royal Corps. But… that part is long gone now. And, er, no thank you. It’s been a long time since… I don’t actually know when the last time was… since somebody treated me like this.”

8:29 AM

@hei_g

”Yes, of course. All humans have meaning,” she told him. “Once their time has come, I would be the one to look after their souls as they rest… What kind of keeper would I be if I didn’t care about the very souls I tend to?” Then, the goddess withdrew her hands to her sides, ready to leave the small cabin. She wiped the tears away from her face and gave Francis a much more confident smile. ”Francis Pegahmagabow, I, the goddess Ereshkigal greet you with utmost honor! Um, ahem, I mean, it’s a pleasure to meet you!” she stammered. “I know we’ve only spent a short amount of time together, but if I don’t leave soon, I fear my sister will barge into this room and forcefully withdraw me herself… So for now, I bid you farewell. May we see each other at a future date!”

8:55 AM

@TheInsanityThatLiesOutside

”Ah it was nice to meet you Ms. Ereshkigal,” Francis’ heart fluttered a little, “It’d be nice to see you in the future again. Maybe we’ll meet on a mission even.” Then she left. “Goodbye, Ereshkigal.” He said softly as he watched her disappear into the night. And then the fireplace went out and he returned to his armchair and the dark.

9:10 AM

@hei_g (thank you for the rp!)

Ishtar makes a Constitution Save!

1d20 (20) + 9 = 29

A divine conscious isn't one to easily fade away, and although her mortal body may've given way, she was still fully conscious, simply trapped within the confines of her vessel's body, though still able to retain the two senses of hearing and touch, contrary to what her sister had believed, the goddess had heard her words loud and clear, and it had touched her. As her sister laid her upon the log cabin, the goddess recovered at a rapidly, her complexion turning from a ghastly blue, to that of her usual appearance in a matter of a few seconds, and as such… with her temperature returned to normal, her eyes snapped open, those crimson jewels shining with a newfound emotion within. As the goddess woke, she felt sapped of energy, unable to even lift a finger, though still managed to get herself up eventually, she looked toward her sister whom was beside her with a grateful smile before reaching out her arms over her shoulders in a tight embrace, pressing her head against her chest, utterly disregarding the chilling cold emanating from her body “Ereshkigal-nin… I-... thank you…” “I can feel your heart beat loud and clear, you're so warm, nin…” (edited)

4:03 PM

@hei_g

”W- WHAAAA—!” The last thing Ereshkigal would expect was to be suddenly held by her younger sister. She squeaked incoherently in a mixture of surprise and embarrassment. Her cheeks were flushed, and her ears would be tinted a cherry red to match. A natural reaction, as she seldom made contact with people. And surprisingly, it was much more rare for this isolated goddess to accept affection from her sister. “Ah- hmph… It’s not a problem, so there is no need for thanks. Did you think I would leave you out in the cold like that?” Soon, she would regain her composure and weakly wrapped her arms around her younger sister’s shoulders before gently stroking her back in a tender manner. Her touch was feather-light, as if she was afraid of advancing too close… even though Ishtar was already holding on to her so tightly. “I believed,” she muttered, “That if I was in the same situation, I would have no doubt that you would do the same.”

9:50 AM

@Pot | Lilith

A pair of sisters whom separated by a vast chasm, the sky to the earth, she was of the heaven, and her sister was of Kur, the abysmal underworld, each ruling upon their respective domains, seldom to meet, and when they do, they mix like fire and water, each second spent at each other's throat, simply polar opposites; it was only natural for her to react with surprise to such affection despite their previous animosity, in fact, the goddess herself inwardly felt shocked toward her sudden display, such emotions would typically be kept within her mind and then to be displayed with nonchalance. Even so, the goddess brought a hands to her mouth in an attempt to stifle a amused laugh, who would've thought her reactions would be so comical and entertaining, poking fun and teasing her sister had always been a favorite past time for this particular goddess, during the times they meet of course; as such, it's difficult to tell who was truly the eldest amongst them. “Ereshkigal… I would… thank you for believing me, nin…” “I won't disappoint you.” As the words spewed from her lips, a blush slowly crept upon her after she realized the extent of her words, though it had embarrassed her to a great degree to openly admit her thoughts and emotions, she felt obligated to do so after what she had done. A embrace that had never happened in the past, as said before, it was rare for them to meet, much less interact to such an affectionate degree, as such the goddess wished to savor this moment of peace, to carve it deep in her heart and hold it close.

10:49 PM

@hei_g

Truly, it was a rare occurrence; something nigh impossible. Never had Ereshkigal thought that her sister— a goddess who lived as she pleased… who lived so freely, so recklessly, and with unbridled confidence would bare her heart so openly and vulnerably to someone who has done her wrong many times. Someone who has gone as far as to kill her, mercilessly piercing her body with numerous spears… Perhaps the vessel they shared had affected them both, softening their hearts so that the rift between the two estranged sisters could finally be closed. Ereshkigal was thankful. “And in turn, I promise not to disappoint you either, Ishtar,” she replied, her tone absolute. “If you have recovered, then we must remain in this run down cabin no longer. A goddess of your caliber does not belong to such a dark and gloomy place. Lift your head, nin. The Ishtar I know is an unstoppable force, unbound by restrictions others have imposed on her.“ Even if their reconciliation was only possible in this incarnation, to Ereshkigal, it didn’t matter. She would hold this moment close to her heart and make the most of their shared time together. “Come, let us see what the festive stalls offer, venture through the forest, ride the Ferris wheel... anything you wish! Let us enjoy and spend time together, just as sisters do!”

1:30 PM

@Pot | Lilith

As such, the two sisters went off to explore all the winter wonderland has to offer, from the vast icy fields, to the jolly festive stalls in which the goddesses spent their time rebuilding their sibling bonds, a joyful occasion, one that brought happiness to the both of them, alas… nothing is forever, even such a moment must come to a end, as such, the two stood before the familiar snowy fields, hand in hand, each holding a newfound warmth within from their time spent. A warmth she'll always hold close, she was sure they'll be bound to meet again many times in the near future, and she'll be sure to cherish each and every second of such times granted only within this incarnation.

When the cold gets too much, it's best to wind down and drink some hot chocolate. Luckily, all the cabins in this small town are empty. No one will interrupt your rest.

Ishtar would have arrived soon after as she opens the door walking in wearing some warm clothes instead of her usual goddess outfit as she looks around the cabin as she smiles. “Well this should be a good place for me to stay at.”