6kv Chapter 76
Chapter 76
Chapter 76
A/N: The new chapter a day late from the usual schedule. On the plus side, the various programs taking up my time should be lessening now, so we should be getting back to the normal pace. That said, the next few chapters will be fairly complex to write, as I'm trying to think of ways around a certain innevitabilitity I wrote myself into. Also a slight warning for foul language: Khali is less adverse against cursing than other characters so far. Hope you enjoy!
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The beastmen we of course outraged by Shiori threatening one of their own. The bearman chief Bjorn let out a loud growl and stood up, ready to intervene. The celestials were shocked and about to protest as well. Even the leopardman chieftain showed some surprise on his previously stoic face. Before anyone could take any action though, an oppressive presence flooded over them pressing them down.
SIT DOWN! Neleh roared in a voice reminiscent of a dragon. She was drawing heavily on the power of Malassa to bring about the aura of a dragon mixed in with her own presence. She even let out a low rumble, similar to a dragon growling.
The fear of dragons as the most powerful beings of the planet was deep-rooted, and everyone present reacted instinctually. They all sat back down, and went quiet. Everyone besides the demon representatives looked at Neleh in shock. The demons on the other hand looked almost eager. This reinforced the thought Neleh had about them being here to fight her. When she showed more power, she also became more worthy to fight
What do you think youre? Bjorn started to question Neleh, braver than the others.
SILENCE! Neleh growled again. Shiori bring him. She continued in a normal voice and waved towards the large table.
As Shiori brought the lionman to the table and slammed his chest and face against the large table, Neleh reached out and tore off the cloth covering the lionmans shoulder. A weird red symbol covered the shoulder, looking like an eerie tattoo. Keep your eyes on this. This is one of the symbols of the outside party trying to influence us, and throw us into turmoil.
The gathered people were not yet convinced, but they were now listening. Tattoos were not weird for beastmen, but this one looked just wrong. They could feel the symbol radiating weird power, as the lionman struggled against Shioris hold. Unfortunately for him, he was not in a position to really utilize that power, and Shiori was much stronger than him. It was the power of that dormant symbol that Neleh had sensed earlier.
Neleh grabbed the head of the lionman, looked into his eyes and growled again in the dragon-like voice. She was trying to make the beastman react instinctively and not giving him the chance to think. Call for you master wretch! Let us see if the coward will help his servant.
The other beastmen drew breath, thinking that she was calling their protector god Sinir a coward, but their mistake was rectified as the lionman raised his voice, half in fear half in rage. Save your servant Blood God! Help me bring death to these heretics! Blood for the Blood God, skulls for the skull throne!
If the lionman had been thinking clearly, he wouldve known not to reveal his affiliation, as Neleh would have trouble doing anything if he just kept quiet. But he was too afraid. He was also a devout believer in the blood cults infesting the beastman continent. Elves had the pleasure cults corrupting the bored and easily tempted, while the beastmen had the blood cults for the warriors that were willing to give up their integrity for power to vanquish their enemies, and the warriors that liked battle a little too much. This yell drew the eyes and ears of everyone present. Especially the humans and beastmen were aware of the blood cults. The demons and celestials had something of their own on these lines as well, as their cults promised to reveal hidden secrets and sources of magical power unknown to others.
Neleh looked at Bjorn. Im guessing Blood God isnt the new official title for Sinir? Im also guessing that worshipping anything called the Blood God is considered heresy and a crime punishable by death?
The bearman chieftain could only nod numbly. He was aware of the cults among beastmen, but had not taken them too seriously, and simply thought of it as one of the fads that came and went. He had not even considered that one of his close followers could have been turned in such a fashion. This alone turned the threat a lot more serious in his mind.
It was time for Nelehs second demonstration. She had formed the plan in her mind right after sensing the presence of the symbol. The symbols brought many benefits to their wearers, but they came with downsides as well. One of the downsides was the ability to be sensed by someone who knew what to look for. The lost-deities didnt like their marks being hidden generally. They wanted the bearers of their marks to show them with pride. Or at least they used to while they were still normal deities, and some things dont change.
She signaled Shiori to release the lionman, and immediately used air magic to lift him off the ground. Then for the first time since being re-born, she used her powers as a destroyer. With a wave of her hand the lionman turn to black dust, with the dust floating away in a small gust of wind that she added for dramatic effect. Using such a minor burst of her powers could be covered by drawing on the blessings of the gods, although the consumption of power was bigger than she had thought. No life-force was used this time.
The action brought gasps from everyone that had any knowledge of magic, as none of them were able to tell what happened, or could sense any mana or Ki being used. If she could do this without them sensing anything, didnt that mean she could do it to others? And if they could not sense it, could their defenses stop it?
Neleh used her power as a destroyer for two reasons. Firstly, she wanted to make the gathered people awed of her power, while not revealing too much of it. That would set the stage for the rest of the negotiations, and would give her words some gravitas. Scaring them was the first part, but while fear was a weapon, it was useful if you could back that fear up with power. The kind of unknown power she just displayed. Secondly, the marks given by lost-deities could be unpredictable if their bearers were killed. There might not be any effect, but they might also do something weird ranging from exploding, to cursing those present. Now the mark was destroyed along with its bearer.
Well, it seems that the negotiations have soured for today, so I suggest we adjourn for the day and continue tomorrow with a clear head. Neleh said calmly. She wanted to give the others some time to absorb and discuss what they had seen.
Agreed. Anauel, the nominal leader of this meeting said. She too wanted to think on what had happened, but she could already see the possible benefits of the situation. Neleh and the elves were driving for peace, along with the celestials. Now that Neleh had displayed her power, the others might be more willing to listen.
She reminds me of someone else too, but I just cant seem to make the connection in my mind. Selene the priestess had trouble associating Khali with Elune, even though the Goddess image was burnt into her mind, doubly so because it was so identical with her sisters.
Oh, Oh, I just had a great idea! I bet she would look really cute in some of those clothes Im sure we all have stashed aside just in case any of us actually do get pregnant. Please tell me Im not the only one that has made or bought clothes in the hopes of someday getting a niece. Delia suddenly yelled cheerily, tapering guiltily off towards the end.
The two others looked at each other and burst out laughing. I guess you caught us. I think thats a magnificent idea! Selene said.
Oh no, this sounds really bad. Khali thought getting worried.
The three of them suddenly ran off to get some clothes, and started dressing her up like a doll in several different dresses. Their squeals of kept getting louder, as the clothes kept getting more and more intricate and ridiculous. They started off normal enough, but soon transitioned into things like full sized teddy-bear costumes and flashy clothes that almost looked like baby sized evening gowns. The sisters seemed to be making this into a competition too, trying to compete to find the most outrageous dress.
Please no! Stop this torture! Khali thought futilely.
You know, she seems to look the best in white and gold that contrast well with her dark hair. Also the fancier the better. She would look nice in something the celestials use. Were lacking something to give it that little something extra. Selene mused.
No! Fuck the celestials! Dont compare me to those pigeons, and dont you dare to dress me in something like that. Khali started cursing in her mind.
The worst blow came from the direction she least expected. Elsaria had been holding back a little so far, and had let the two others go wild. She did have this weird smug smile on her face the whole time, but Khali had thought she was still happy about being the favorite aunt.
Well, I do have a little something that I got from Neleh. Apparently she had made it herself, and I think it would look great on little Sinestra. Elsaria said, her smile widening. She had been holding back for this.
No! No, no, no, no, no, no, no! Dont do this to me my safe haven! Youll lose your position as my favorite aunty! Khali thought panic stricken. If Neleh was involved, then it had to be bad, since she knew exactly how to rile Khali up.
Elsaria brought out a white and gold dress-robe that had cute little fluffy celestial wings sown on the back. Think how cute shell look as a tiny celestial! Elsaria said almost giddy.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Fuck you and your family Neleh! Im going to make sure you die a slow and painful death! Khali screamed in her mind.
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What is it? Shiori asked, noticing Neleh give a small shiver.
Just an intense amount of bloodthirst. Apparently someone liked my surprise a lot. Neleh laughed with a wide grin. They were walking back towards the negotiation chambers.
Someone among the representatives of the other races? They dare to show such killing intent after the demonstration yesterday? Shiori asked a little shocked.
Not in this case. This is someone much more deadly if given the chance. No need to worry for now, she wont be a threat for a long while, and shell forget by the time she will be. Neleh replied giving a small chuckle.
If you say so? Shiori said half a questioning, half confused statement.
Well then, I think its about time for us to go in and stop a war. Neleh said while continuing her way towards the negotiation chambers.