[Giving an approving nod; less explaining on his end, because even the underworld is ... a lot in this lore]
The heavens, sea, and underworld were split between Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, and so it became his realm... though because only the dead were permitted to enter, many of the realm's details are shrouded in secrecy.
[A hum of thought]
Though I do know that Hades considered himself more an overseer, yes... he helped to create and maintain order, but was no tyrant, either.
[An entirely separate realm of the dead... what a strange place.]
The Underworld I know is a realm existing both within and without the world in which we live-- the flow of aether to which each soul returns, having served its purpose. The Lifestream, I have heard it called in more recent ages. An integral part of life's very cycle, rather than something separate... though it may still be observed, by those with the gift for it.
[He rubs his chin, digesting this new information.] Certain souls were allowed to reincarnate for their good deeds -- so I suppose in that way, they were more connected to the flow of the planet.
[But it was no established cycle in the way Emet-Selch means, at least nothing that was baked into the very mythos of that region]
And Hades? Very little. He kept to himself and was the least favored of the Olympians. Even those who worshipped him did not attempt to curry his favor. After all, the overseer of the dead must remain impartial.
... Though I'd argue many villainized him for what was a necessary role...
They do so often villainize what they cannot-- or will not-- understand.
[Mortals are disappointingly predictable, in that way.]
To be least favored yet hold such a necessary position would take dedication, I am sure. Certainly more respectable than those who reap the fruits of worship for their needed duties.
[His tone is more thoughtful there, and he's quiet for a moment before he seems to abruptly change subjects.]
I do have something else I should like to ask, however unrelated it may seem. The name you've been listed under-- is it a title of address?
[... He doesn't disagree, really. Hades was considered one of the most sensible of the gods to those who knew anything about him, stern but reasonable, and Chiron suspects that's why he can't help but offer his memory a reprieve to this stranger.
But that's a thought for another time. He draws himself back to the present and responds with honest neutrality]
"Archer of Black?"
My name in the last war I participated in. There was also an Archer of Red, and so a distinction needed to be made.
Originally? No, I did not. I trained others who might find glory on the battlefield, if that was their wish.
[Which is... only half the story, and though Chiron pauses, moving chess pieces to their logical conclusion in an infinite number of games, he can't see any reason why he should not just be honest. In this "Realm", his True Name does not hold any significant weight.]
But then I passed on, and through... unique circumstances, we shall say, I can be summoned by humans in the present day to fight their battles for a specific length of time.
[His eyes tick back up to the "sky"]
The price for my cooperation -- the cooperation of any spirit the world still remembers -- is to allow us a chance to see a wish fulfilled.
But only those still remembered. I suppose you ought to be congratulated, for being so well known as to be called upon.
[His fingers tap idly on one folded arm.]
And what of those who are not? Naturally, their wishes are consigned to remain in the realm of fantasy, but as for their existence itself-- shall you fade away, if none remember you? Or be left to a singularly lonely existence?
For those with any manner of divinity, they are usually forced to the Reverse Side of the World if they are not recorded into the planet's memory. It's a place where magic and mystery rule over logic. You don't die, but become... lesser, I suppose, when humans no longer require you.
[... Mmm. Though. He has to immediately add onto that answer]
But even then, those who held no sway over the memory of the planet or humans barely exist in any right. Some disappear. Otherwise are broken own to a half-consciousness.
Taking their history with them, in those cases. One must wonder just how much has been lost entirely to time, thanks to the failings of mortal memory. How much will be lost in the future.
[There's been a slight shift in his tone, some of the usual dry harshness faded-- more contemplative. Perhaps faintly melancholy.]
But if you are used to being called to fight others' fights, will you do so here? Or does this competition of theirs hold less interest for you than grander battles?
There's nothing grand about war. All are equally selfish in their wishes, no matter what they tell themselves.
[It's perhaps the first time Chiron has been blatant in his beliefs, his own voice shifting -- still quiet, but firm in the experiences that have led to this decision.
And so his next answer is just as assertive]
I will do everything in my power to protect those here, and restore nova to this Realm as necessary. And then I will disappear.
[No matter what, death awaits him. But that's the eventual end of all things. Nothing is truly spared. He doesn't mind]
So they are. And yet they are ever being waged, at the slightest excuse-- as if they seek to destroy themselves.
[An easily manipulated tendency, to be sure... but no less depressing for its usefulness. They run headlong into conflict at the slightest provocation.
For a moment, he says nothing else, but then:]
Then you, too, care little for what's been promised.
[He doesn't trust the vague promise of wishes, not really. Not from this place.]
[Voice soft again, glancing at his companion. It's dark, and there's distance between them, but his expression still holds the graceful resignation of someone who is very old]
... I had a wish. To regain my immortality -- the only connection I had to my divine parents after I was abandoned. I gave up their gift and will always feel less of myself for it.
[...]
But I lost my chance and refuse to be moved by that motivation here. I have a greater duty to seeing the promise of life maintained.
[He won't pretend he's not a pawn; he's still playing by someone else's rules. But to the best of his abilities, he'll keep his integrity while doing so.]
You would give up on such a thing for the sake of your duty?
[That says more about him than most of what's been said so far. The responsible and honorable sort, one that might not have been out of place in a time before time. Difficult to deal with, these days, but better qualities in someone old enough to understand their weight, rather than a mortal playing at it.]
As expected of someone who has known such a life. Nor could anyone exactly blame you for the willingness to disappear, after having existed so long already.
[Sometimes you wouldn't mind a long nap in the void.]
I've lived a long, eventful life. Besides, immortality loses its glitter when you have no one to spend it with.
[said with a smile this time; the gravity of his claims aside, Chiron doesn't seem particularly upset or moved by the conversation. It's just the truth of the matter:]
Though if I could ask for your silence on this matter, if you don't mind... death is a heavy subject, especially for mortals. Given some of our companions, I suspect they would try to persuade me to cheat fate no matter what I said.
[Chiron: have you seen the number of protags in this game?]
[Chiron may be smiling about it, but Emet-Selch certainly isn't, voice slightly quieter there. It goes back to the way it was quickly enough, though, as he continues with a wave of his hand-]
You need not worry about that. I have already seen how... persistently optimistic some of them are.
He perhaps should have kept his words to himself this time. But the other has already moved on, and Chiron knows better than to pry. His head bows slightly like in unspoken acknowledgment before he also continues]
It is refreshing, sometimes, being surrounded by this much optimistic youth, even if it's coupled with naivety.
[says he of infinite patience. They're all such kids]
Small wonder that you have lived on in memory, then, being writ in the stars.
[with chiron admitting to his own, though... emet-selch leans back against the wall, gesturing up once more. gemini, this time, after leaving it out earlier.]
The seat of the Architect-- that of Emet-Selch. I am only the most recent to be given the honor.
[Ah. So that's where that fourteenth seat went; he'd been wondering.
Though framed in such a way, Emet-Selch sounds much like "Archer" does -- a title of power moreso than any real name. He hums, considering Gemini's constellation]
Architect... so there are those that have come before you?
So there are. It is not yet impossible that there may be more after me.
[That's more or less the case, though, and he further clarifies-]
We of the Convocation take the name of our seat as our own, upon appointment, and are addressed as such by most. Our original names are not forsaken completely, but they are more rarely used.
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[Near to their Convocation, by one or two... he looks a little more curious now, though, head tilted very slightly as he considers that list.]
You say this Hades was the underworld's god; what manner of underworld does your world have? A realm unto its own, requiring such an overseer...?
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[Giving an approving nod; less explaining on his end, because even the underworld is ... a lot in this lore]
The heavens, sea, and underworld were split between Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, and so it became his realm... though because only the dead were permitted to enter, many of the realm's details are shrouded in secrecy.
[A hum of thought]
Though I do know that Hades considered himself more an overseer, yes... he helped to create and maintain order, but was no tyrant, either.
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[An entirely separate realm of the dead... what a strange place.]
The Underworld I know is a realm existing both within and without the world in which we live-- the flow of aether to which each soul returns, having served its purpose. The Lifestream, I have heard it called in more recent ages. An integral part of life's very cycle, rather than something separate... though it may still be observed, by those with the gift for it.
[No need for a god, then.]
What else do you know of him?
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[He rubs his chin, digesting this new information.] Certain souls were allowed to reincarnate for their good deeds -- so I suppose in that way, they were more connected to the flow of the planet.
[But it was no established cycle in the way Emet-Selch means, at least nothing that was baked into the very mythos of that region]
And Hades? Very little. He kept to himself and was the least favored of the Olympians. Even those who worshipped him did not attempt to curry his favor. After all, the overseer of the dead must remain impartial.
... Though I'd argue many villainized him for what was a necessary role...
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[Mortals are disappointingly predictable, in that way.]
To be least favored yet hold such a necessary position would take dedication, I am sure. Certainly more respectable than those who reap the fruits of worship for their needed duties.
[His tone is more thoughtful there, and he's quiet for a moment before he seems to abruptly change subjects.]
I do have something else I should like to ask, however unrelated it may seem. The name you've been listed under-- is it a title of address?
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But that's a thought for another time. He draws himself back to the present and responds with honest neutrality]
"Archer of Black?"
My name in the last war I participated in. There was also an Archer of Red, and so a distinction needed to be made.
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[That neutrality is met with the same, as Emet-Selch continues to observe him curiously.]
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How to even begin answering that question...]
Originally? No, I did not. I trained others who might find glory on the battlefield, if that was their wish.
[Which is... only half the story, and though Chiron pauses, moving chess pieces to their logical conclusion in an infinite number of games, he can't see any reason why he should not just be honest. In this "Realm", his True Name does not hold any significant weight.]
But then I passed on, and through... unique circumstances, we shall say, I can be summoned by humans in the present day to fight their battles for a specific length of time.
[His eyes tick back up to the "sky"]
The price for my cooperation -- the cooperation of any spirit the world still remembers -- is to allow us a chance to see a wish fulfilled.
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[His fingers tap idly on one folded arm.]
And what of those who are not? Naturally, their wishes are consigned to remain in the realm of fantasy, but as for their existence itself-- shall you fade away, if none remember you? Or be left to a singularly lonely existence?
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[... Mmm. Though. He has to immediately add onto that answer]
But even then, those who held no sway over the memory of the planet or humans barely exist in any right. Some disappear. Otherwise are broken own to a half-consciousness.
[And so in that manner, yes. It's lonely.]
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[There's been a slight shift in his tone, some of the usual dry harshness faded-- more contemplative. Perhaps faintly melancholy.]
But if you are used to being called to fight others' fights, will you do so here? Or does this competition of theirs hold less interest for you than grander battles?
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[It's perhaps the first time Chiron has been blatant in his beliefs, his own voice shifting -- still quiet, but firm in the experiences that have led to this decision.
And so his next answer is just as assertive]
I will do everything in my power to protect those here, and restore nova to this Realm as necessary. And then I will disappear.
[No matter what, death awaits him. But that's the eventual end of all things. Nothing is truly spared. He doesn't mind]
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[An easily manipulated tendency, to be sure... but no less depressing for its usefulness. They run headlong into conflict at the slightest provocation.
For a moment, he says nothing else, but then:]
Then you, too, care little for what's been promised.
[He doesn't trust the vague promise of wishes, not really. Not from this place.]
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[Voice soft again, glancing at his companion. It's dark, and there's distance between them, but his expression still holds the graceful resignation of someone who is very old]
... I had a wish. To regain my immortality -- the only connection I had to my divine parents after I was abandoned. I gave up their gift and will always feel less of myself for it.
[...]
But I lost my chance and refuse to be moved by that motivation here. I have a greater duty to seeing the promise of life maintained.
[He won't pretend he's not a pawn; he's still playing by someone else's rules. But to the best of his abilities, he'll keep his integrity while doing so.]
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[That says more about him than most of what's been said so far. The responsible and honorable sort, one that might not have been out of place in a time before time. Difficult to deal with, these days, but better qualities in someone old enough to understand their weight, rather than a mortal playing at it.]
As expected of someone who has known such a life. Nor could anyone exactly blame you for the willingness to disappear, after having existed so long already.
[Sometimes you wouldn't mind a long nap in the void.]
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[said with a smile this time; the gravity of his claims aside, Chiron doesn't seem particularly upset or moved by the conversation. It's just the truth of the matter:]
Though if I could ask for your silence on this matter, if you don't mind... death is a heavy subject, especially for mortals. Given some of our companions, I suspect they would try to persuade me to cheat fate no matter what I said.
[Chiron: have you seen the number of protags in this game?]
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[Chiron may be smiling about it, but Emet-Selch certainly isn't, voice slightly quieter there. It goes back to the way it was quickly enough, though, as he continues with a wave of his hand-]
You need not worry about that. I have already seen how... persistently optimistic some of them are.
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He perhaps should have kept his words to himself this time. But the other has already moved on, and Chiron knows better than to pry. His head bows slightly like in unspoken acknowledgment before he also continues]
It is refreshing, sometimes, being surrounded by this much optimistic youth, even if it's coupled with naivety.
[says he of infinite patience. They're all such kids]
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[he's too easily annoyed for it...]
It cannot be helped, but that does not make it much easier to tolerate.
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[looking deeply amused]
All other centaurs in my mythology are considered quick-tempered and savage, in fact.
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[A hint of amusement from him, as well, glancing back to the stars.]
Then I suppose you to be the one wise centaur among them?
[what was that about some scrub, again.]
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[looking abashed, don't call him out like this, he just wanted to be an anonymous ye olde]
Yes, that is my constellation -- Sagittarius.
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[with chiron admitting to his own, though... emet-selch leans back against the wall, gesturing up once more. gemini, this time, after leaving it out earlier.]
The seat of the Architect-- that of Emet-Selch. I am only the most recent to be given the honor.
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Though framed in such a way, Emet-Selch sounds much like "Archer" does -- a title of power moreso than any real name. He hums, considering Gemini's constellation]
Architect... so there are those that have come before you?
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[That's more or less the case, though, and he further clarifies-]
We of the Convocation take the name of our seat as our own, upon appointment, and are addressed as such by most. Our original names are not forsaken completely, but they are more rarely used.
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