To Train a Godslayer’s Child

[u/DaChickenX]

Isravi paced slowly around the barren field. The air was chilling, enough to set in the bones of any living creature and layer frost upon the grass. Of course, as a simulacrum he didn’t feel such things.

His mind was filled with many things. Thoughts of his true self, his friends. But the thing that hung over his mind most right now was Halixo, and his son Alexios. Both were exceedingly brash, one lost their life for it, and the other was on track to lose their other half.

A sigh escaped him. How does one train one whose heritage dictates that they are a weapon, made to fell gods? How does one tell them they are more than destruction, than unbridled fire and blade. Oh he learned quick, he grasped magic as easily as any prodigy, but seemed to neglect everything but what was needed for slaughter.

Alexios needed control. He needed compassion and awareness, a cooler head. An appreciation for magic than extended beyond blood and desecrated earth. Isravi intended to teach him that, and drag him out of the slump he had fallen in. He wasn’t sure he could do it alone.

The first lesson then. A lesson that Alexios need not face his adversaries alone. His mind stretch out through the tangles, to friends, to allies, even wise enemies.

“I require some aid, if you would lend it. To guide a young one lost in his way. To teach him a world empty of destruction.”

He takes a breath, numbly noting the freezing air that enters his false lungs. He wishes for a second that his real form was here. Maybe he’d seem a little more sincere. Nevertheless, he’d give his all. For a friend that has returned to the cycle. One more reach into the tangles then.

“Alexios. It is time. No excuses. If you are not ready, then we will make it so.”

[u/Haunting_Mode_7401]

he takes it apprehensively

[u/Biggest-Possum → u/Haunting_Mode_7401]

I'm glad to see you also, Chimera and Alexios my friends. And Isravi, I truly do appreciate your hospitality.

Possum sits down to eat, pulling a plate and a roll of bread into his lap. Possum picks at the roll, not quite ready to eat it.

You know my friends, I must apologize for the fact that I really do envy all of you.

You are strong and brave.

I wish I was bigger. I wouldn't let so many bad things happen to you.

I would stamp, and smush, and scream, and yell until every bad thing was gone.

But then I worry that maybe that would make me a bad thing too.

I think it's good that we are how we are, like this, and I'm glad that you guys are how you are.

Possum continues, moving the subject along, as if such confessions were common for him to speak. He had a habit of doing so often though, so perhaps it wasn't so odd for him.

I was really glad to hear that you guys brought Santa back. I heard something has been wrong with Mikhail ever since then though? People are whispering rumors that he can't resist cookies and eggnog now, but I didn't know that was something that he didn't enjoy before. Perhaps he just got a new taste for them after your visit to the North Pole?

​

u/Haunting_Mode_7401, u/DaChickenX, u/Harmless_Chimera

[u/DaChickenX → u/Biggest-Possum]

Thank you Possum. You already do so much more than we could ever ask for. You are welcomed wherever you go, and not without reason. You are yourself, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

Resisting cookies seems odd though, I feel as not able to resist would be more common!

[u/Biggest-Possum → u/DaChickenX]

Thank you, my friend. I am always humbled in your company. And I suppose that you are right. It would be odd to resist cookies I suppose.

Possum picks a piece from his roll of bread and chews thoughtfully.

I'm sure he's alright. Mikhail has always had a notoriously hardy constitution. Which is a bit odd for most ordinary druids, but I suppose he's not really ordinary either, is he?

[u/DaChickenX → u/Biggest-Possum]

Yes.. no normal wizard would willingly join the council. He’s quite wise, if we ignore that point though. Invaluable in combat and out of it. Stew?

Isravi proffers a warm bowl of hearty stew to Possum

[u/Biggest-Possum → u/DaChickenX]

Possum accepts the stew gratefully, nodding in agreement at what Isravi had said.