This e-mail is wicked-cool! It was started by Merlin to test his e-mail tracking system because, you know, a big Technomancer like Merlin always sends important new apps out over the internet to be available to any moron who can operate a phone, right? Plus, they have formed a secret merger with ElphameCorp., who has agreed to give up millions of dollars in revenue by giving everyone who reads this e-mail, passes it on, looks at it, knows someone that looked at it, or is related to someone who is a friend of someone who looks at it A FREE, ALL-EXPENSES-PAID TRIP to ElphameLand or EndOfTheWorldPark! So pass this on to everyone you know that is gullible enough to believe this (or not)! Even if its not true, hey- insulting all of your friends by implying that they are gullible by sending this to them is worth the improbable chance that you could go to ElphameLand! Even if you lose all of your friends because they are tired of receiving this kind of junk from you, its worth the chance, right? And just for good measure, if you dont send this on, Merlin will send its specially trained attack-goats to pilfer your house and eat all of your socks, SO SEND IT ON!!!!!
I am personally acquainted with Merlin and he is not the type to use goats for attacks. I am 90% confident you are using him as a scapegoat to launch an attack on me, but I will not fall for it nor insult my friends! ( ` ω ´ )
I shall rescue those goats you use for your nefarious ends and will smite you for daring to threaten and mock a goddess! \(`0´)/
[ Something... Something is wrong with that message. What is it? She reads it and re-reads it a dozen time and then— ]
How did you know I talked about my world's Merlin? (⇀‸↼‶) Wouldn't the logical assumption be to assume I am talking about the local Merlin? 「(°ヘ°)ゞ
That means you are someone who knows I met Merlin or had the possibility to do so back in my homeworld! Σ(°ロ°)
Only a few people know this. I will find you and I shall smite you, anonymous! (○`O´○)
[ Alright, so... List of people in Avalon she knew came from the same multiverse than her and possibly knew about the Seventh Singularity:
- Ritsuka - Mash - Saber - Rin - Archer
Ritsuka and Mash were obviously innocent. Saber had been too kind to do that sort of thing. That narrowed down the search to Rin and Archer. And the one who was obviously the likeliest to try and attack her? Rin, of course. What could you expect from the one chosen to be Ishtar's vessel.
Good job Archer. Once this misunderstanding cleared, she'll be back to the last name on her list.
Considering how hard it is to connect with this world's Merlin, I had to assume you talked about some other one. We have several universes that have the Arthurian legends.
First of all, thank you for your concern over the dead of this land, Ereshkigal. It's honorable you want to uphold your duties even while you're not back in your world.
I, however, do not know much about the Stone Giant. It is an ancient being that even the archives have not much information on. There is, however, someone else who might know more but her prices are steep and there is no guarantee that she would lend you her aid even then.
The Stone Giant itself is not an evil being, to my knowledge. It just did what it was designed to do when awakened. I don't see a reason why it should be destroyed - especially since awakening the Giant is not possible by normal means.
I don't see how the system here would bring about such chaos. It has been like this for as long as I can remember. The people of Lestari would be able to tell you about the Death Ball and Fall Equinox in great detail and how much they care for the dead.
If Avalon itself had an afterlife, the souls wouldn't be able to return to their respective homes. The fae do not die naturally and their ghosts can choose to stay or go wherever during the Solstice. They have no need for an afterlife themselves.
I'm also flattered you think I would have this much control here in Avalon. I don't. I'm just a powerful wizard, unable to change this place to my whim. We are only visitors in this land of Fae.
Whether the giant is evil or good is irrelevant to me. It harmed the dead and has the potential to do so again. Unless you can affirm there is an absolute certainty it will never wake and hurt the dead again, I shall treat it as it is: a threat. It is my understanding your king ordered a dragon slain for having killed innocents in a fury, with no regards for the morality of the action or the circumstances behind the dragon's fury. Your King did what he had to do to protect his people, even if the dragon was not to blame and the odds of such an accident reoccurring were minimal.
As a person, I find this immoral and would have opposed his decision with my all. As a ruler, I sympathize with your king and understand the wisdom behind his choice. It is this same wisdom that drives my questions and requests on this day.
And with all due respect for your assessment of the situation, whether the system here can bring chaos or not, is not up to debate. Rather than take any steps forwards to fixing the impending doom, the situation has worsened. And this was directly brought about by the living messing with the dead. I am not here to place the blame on anyone, least of all you. But it is an undeniable reality accidents involving the dead have been more and more frequent. In a void, perhaps the system functions. However under the current circumstances, it does not.
I would like to clarify my proposal for an afterlife for this world. I am not proposing for an afterlife that is a permanent residency for the souls of the deceased. Think of my proposal more as a purgatory than an afterlife, should the analogy be more apt. A resting place for the dead ere they return where they belong. I understand your authority here is limited. However, you are our best hope to get those things done. This is why I ask of you if there is a way to make such a "purgatory" come true in Avalon.
Furthermore if possible, I would have you introduce me to the person you mentioned who might know more- By your reputation alone, she might be more inclined to listen to our request. I understand your time is limited and there is nothing in this for you. Should you require compensation or payment, I will provide what you demand.
Whatever I think of your opinions, it boils down to reminding you that your perception of a threat is not a decision you can make for someone else's world. Speak to Morganna. She is the goddess of this land, its creator, and mother of the fae. I'm not the one you need to argue with.
Though LOL! The idea Morganna would see my reputation a boon to her. Have you considered stand-up? She's more likely to toss us both into the volcano up north if I'm involved. You'll have to summon her the old fashioned way. I'm sure you'll be able to find her circle somewhere... where did I put it?
(OOC note: To summon Morganna, you must OOCly find her link in the OOC pages! ICly, you are welcome to say that Merlin provided Ereshkigal with the information.)
Hey, Ereshkigal... you seem like you're having a rough time right now. I know I caused some of that, and I'm sorry. Could I make it up to you and maybe help you feel better by getting you some ice cream? It's not much, but... it helps me, sometimes.
[The summoning is successful and the fire reshapes itself into a human figure before dispersing and revealing Morganna.
She doesn't seem surprised at how the room looks, not the smoke nor the darkness. She holds the cage in her hand, turning it this way and that as she did.]
Well, now. For what reason have you called on Morganna?
I am the Keeper of Death, the one who Tramples the Sacred Mountain, Queen of Kur where the dead rest... [She extends an arm dramatically.] Ereshkigal, Goddess of the Underworld!
[ When she speaks, Ereshkigal's voice is uncharacteristically deep and drawn-out. She's doing a real effort to sound charismatic. ]
I have called you to speak of the dead. The situation is worrying. The living and the dead dwell together. There are no established boundaries between life and death. As is their nature, mortals have sought to meddle with those who have passed. The recently settled matter of the Fisher King is one such example. The giant that swallowed the souls of the deceased is another. [She marked a pause.] In theory, it should all work. However, practice has demonstrated otherwise. How many souls will never regain their homeworld? How many lives were damaged with the tragedy of Fisher King?
Tis but a matter of time lest tragedy strikes again. With the calamity looming ahead, we cannot allow room for even the slightest of mistakes. It is our divine duty to ensure the living and dead alike are allowed to exist in peace. Thus I come forth with two proposals:
[ Ereshkigal marks another pause. Her speech is stutter-free and delivered very professionally. And that's because, of course, she wrote it beforehand, practiced at length before a mirror and learned it by heart. ]
Firstly, the destruction or rework of the stone giant to ensure no souls ever be devoured again! Secondly, the establishment of a realm on the island where the dead can rest in peace. The creation of such a boundary shall prevent future meddling and tragedy. It is understandable not all would agree to such a new development. To accommodate such people, in the beginning there would be possibilities for the living to visit the realm of the dead, and vice-versa. In a strictly supervised manner such as they can cause no trouble.
As Goddess of Death, I offer my services for the establishment of such a place and to oversee it. Other Gods of Death are present on this island. We would work together to herd the dead safely within this space and offer them satisfactory conditions until their souls are ready to return to their homeworlds. Dead native to Avalon would be granted eternal rest and peace. Simultaneously, we would train those chosen by you personally to handle and oversee the Realm of the Dead in due time. It ensures that once the Calamity solved, Avalon would continue to benefit from the fruit of this endeavor.
[ She lowered her head in a gesture of respect before looking back at Morganna. ]
I humbly ask you to consider my offer and give me the means to establish such a place. You stand to gain peace and stability. Even should you disregard the risks I demonstrated exist, this is a chance for Avalon to become a better place for you and yours.
[That is her response to that long speech. Don't worry, despite the way she drawled that one syllable she actually was listening...just not very impressed.]
You ask for two things and yet only offer one gift? And neither are little things either...
[She presses her hand to her cheek, still smiling sharp as a knife.]
I'm afraid, the price will be rather higher than the one you have already paid.
[ Ereshkigal was equally as unimpressed- But more annoyed than unimpressed. Arrogant, disrespectful and clearly lacking in a good sense of what her priorities should be. That's a goddess, alright. She hadn't expected anything else, and yet she still found herself disappointed.
Some things never change across worlds. ]
I am offering my knowledge for the creation of such a place and my services as overseer of the newly created land of the dead. I am also offering my experience and wisdom to train and prepare your chosen ones to take over once the time has come.
[ There is a pause there. Ereshkigal thought she should be the one being paid for all that. Avalon has whatsoever no death management, it's a disaster in the making. She's practically the one doing Morganna a favor there. At the very least, a thank you would be welcome.
... Maybe she's the slightest bit arrogant, too. ]
However, should the safety and ensured prosperity of your realm not be enough of a boon- [Another pause here, with the hope that Morganna feels a bit of shame at asking even more. That's quite literally Ishtar levels of greed...!] I am ready to hear your price.
That you should oversee a land you wanted created is a given, is it not? That hardly sounds like payment to me. Knowledge is all well and good, but it sounds like you're asking me to do all the hard work of creating it.
Besides, the realm seems to have managed just fine thus far.
[Avalon hadn't really needed an afterlife.]
But since you are ready to hear the price...[She pauses for dramatic effect, then holds a hand out, a flame igniting on it.] The deactivation of the stone giant and your creation of a land of the dead are two separate matters. Which will you like to hear about first?
I need you to create this land because I am deprived of my powers. And- [She waved to try and clear some of the smoke. Until they could see around a little bit. At which point, Ereshkigal angrily pointed at the sky.] That is not fine!
[ She specifically pointed at the calamity that was now visible. But she tried calming down. ]
That is all because the living are permitted to mess with the dead. And I need not remind you how many souls were lost to the stone giant.
[ If Morganna had been the first one to come up with "we've done just fine so far" argument, that'd be a thing. Arrogance and nothing more. But they were multiple people to have come up with that excuse... Even though because of the Fisher King the Calamity had progressed so much and the stone giant had eaten so many souls of the dead. Were they all insane?! Was she the only one who could see how disastrous the situation was?
Or was she the one who was deluded? An afterlife would have prevented the fisher king from being messed with and the souls from being devoured, right? She can't be wrong, that's... Impossible to imagine...! Is she going insane? ]
... I would hear the price for the land of the dead first.
Those asking for favours they cannot perform themselves should be less haughty about it.
[And oh, Morganna looked up for a moment and even seemed thoughtful.]
And yet, the Calamity is caused not by the lack of land of the dead, but by a sword. And the stone giant, unfortunate as the event was [And she drawls it, as if it were an even of little import.] Had been a result of the living messing with the imprisonment arrangement of the living--who then messed around with something more ancient and powerful than they realized.
[So please explain to her how any of that is her fault for not having a land of the dead? Or even her problem, honestly.]
A quest. [She says simply as she presses her palms together. The flame isn't snuffed out but licks out between her fingers.] To gather the materials for the ritual itself, some of which I will take as payment.
[ She was here to negotiate and she had to remain calm, but there was no way she could let an insult slide! Now was the time to just tell Morganna exactly every single thing she was wrong about! Which was, well, everything according to Ereshkigal.
Maybe Morganna had a point. ]
Wasn't the situation worsened when mortals messed with the Fisher King? That would not have happened if his soul had been safe in an afterlife. It only happened because you were too complacent and didn't realize the risks inherent to not having a land of the dead.
[ Ereshkigal took a step forward and pointed a finger at her. There was no deep voice or attempt at sounding charismatic any more. In fact she was quite agitated right now. ]
And do you not care for the souls that were lost? That easily could have been saved had they been beyond the reach of the stone giant?
[ That was the absolute worst! The way she behaved as if that wasn't important in the least! Ereshkigal had completely forgotten about her offer for now, the price. Which is a shame because that sounds like an actually very fair price. ]
I will not stand to be insulted by one who puts her own pride and selfish desires over the good of her realm! What kind of goddess are you? You should work for the better of your people, yet you behave like nothing more than a self-important child!!
text / anon
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I am personally acquainted with Merlin and he is not the type to use goats for attacks. I am 90% confident you are using him as a scapegoat to launch an attack on me, but I will not fall for it nor insult my friends! ( ` ω ´ )
I shall rescue those goats you use for your nefarious ends and will smite you for daring to threaten and mock a goddess! \(`0´)/
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if you don't have socks, they will eat anything else fabric they get to.
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How did you know I talked about my world's Merlin? (⇀‸↼‶)
Wouldn't the logical assumption be to assume I am talking about the local Merlin? 「(°ヘ°)ゞ
That means you are someone who knows I met Merlin or had the possibility to do so back in my homeworld! Σ(°ロ°)
Only a few people know this. I will find you and I shall smite you, anonymous! (○`O´○)
[ Alright, so... List of people in Avalon she knew came from the same multiverse than her and possibly knew about the Seventh Singularity:
- Ritsuka
- Mash
- Saber
- Rin
- Archer
Ritsuka and Mash were obviously innocent. Saber had been too kind to do that sort of thing. That narrowed down the search to Rin and Archer. And the one who was obviously the likeliest to try and attack her? Rin, of course. What could you expect from the one chosen to be Ishtar's vessel.
Good job Archer. Once this misunderstanding cleared, she'll be back to the last name on her list.
Who sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind. ]
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It's as simple as that.
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DM from @OGmerlin
I, however, do not know much about the Stone Giant. It is an ancient being that even the archives have not much information on. There is, however, someone else who might know more but her prices are steep and there is no guarantee that she would lend you her aid even then.
The Stone Giant itself is not an evil being, to my knowledge. It just did what it was designed to do when awakened. I don't see a reason why it should be destroyed - especially since awakening the Giant is not possible by normal means.
I don't see how the system here would bring about such chaos. It has been like this for as long as I can remember. The people of Lestari would be able to tell you about the Death Ball and Fall Equinox in great detail and how much they care for the dead.
If Avalon itself had an afterlife, the souls wouldn't be able to return to their respective homes. The fae do not die naturally and their ghosts can choose to stay or go wherever during the Solstice. They have no need for an afterlife themselves.
I'm also flattered you think I would have this much control here in Avalon. I don't. I'm just a powerful wizard, unable to change this place to my whim. We are only visitors in this land of Fae.
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As a person, I find this immoral and would have opposed his decision with my all. As a ruler, I sympathize with your king and understand the wisdom behind his choice. It is this same wisdom that drives my questions and requests on this day.
And with all due respect for your assessment of the situation, whether the system here can bring chaos or not, is not up to debate. Rather than take any steps forwards to fixing the impending doom, the situation has worsened. And this was directly brought about by the living messing with the dead. I am not here to place the blame on anyone, least of all you. But it is an undeniable reality accidents involving the dead have been more and more frequent. In a void, perhaps the system functions. However under the current circumstances, it does not.
I would like to clarify my proposal for an afterlife for this world. I am not proposing for an afterlife that is a permanent residency for the souls of the deceased. Think of my proposal more as a purgatory than an afterlife, should the analogy be more apt. A resting place for the dead ere they return where they belong. I understand your authority here is limited. However, you are our best hope to get those things done. This is why I ask of you if there is a way to make such a "purgatory" come true in Avalon.
Furthermore if possible, I would have you introduce me to the person you mentioned who might know more- By your reputation alone, she might be more inclined to listen to our request. I understand your time is limited and there is nothing in this for you. Should you require compensation or payment, I will provide what you demand.
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Though LOL! The idea Morganna would see my reputation a boon to her. Have you considered stand-up? She's more likely to toss us both into the volcano up north if I'm involved. You'll have to summon her the old fashioned way. I'm sure you'll be able to find her circle somewhere... where did I put it?
(OOC note: To summon Morganna, you must OOCly find her link in the OOC pages! ICly, you are welcome to say that Merlin provided Ereshkigal with the information.)
text; un: mithrarin
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[ She'd been anonymous. She knows that means he can't know it was her in that AOL post, right? ]
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Come on. I already know what you're dealing with. You don't need to pretend.
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How did you know I was the anonymous poster? I didn't accidentally post it non-anonymous this time...!
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One of those things that's a weird lesson, when you start making friends.
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But please be assured you in no way participated to making me feel the way I currently am.
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Either way, the offer of ice cream is still open.
If it doesn't help, at least you had something tasty.
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Morganna Summon
She doesn't seem surprised at how the room looks, not the smoke nor the darkness. She holds the cage in her hand, turning it this way and that as she did.]
Well, now. For what reason have you called on Morganna?
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I am the Keeper of Death, the one who Tramples the Sacred Mountain, Queen of Kur where the dead rest... [She extends an arm dramatically.] Ereshkigal, Goddess of the Underworld!
[ When she speaks, Ereshkigal's voice is uncharacteristically deep and drawn-out. She's doing a real effort to sound charismatic. ]
I have called you to speak of the dead. The situation is worrying. The living and the dead dwell together. There are no established boundaries between life and death. As is their nature, mortals have sought to meddle with those who have passed. The recently settled matter of the Fisher King is one such example. The giant that swallowed the souls of the deceased is another. [She marked a pause.] In theory, it should all work. However, practice has demonstrated otherwise. How many souls will never regain their homeworld? How many lives were damaged with the tragedy of Fisher King?
Tis but a matter of time lest tragedy strikes again. With the calamity looming ahead, we cannot allow room for even the slightest of mistakes. It is our divine duty to ensure the living and dead alike are allowed to exist in peace. Thus I come forth with two proposals:
[ Ereshkigal marks another pause. Her speech is stutter-free and delivered very professionally. And that's because, of course, she wrote it beforehand, practiced at length before a mirror and learned it by heart. ]
Firstly, the destruction or rework of the stone giant to ensure no souls ever be devoured again! Secondly, the establishment of a realm on the island where the dead can rest in peace. The creation of such a boundary shall prevent future meddling and tragedy. It is understandable not all would agree to such a new development. To accommodate such people, in the beginning there would be possibilities for the living to visit the realm of the dead, and vice-versa. In a strictly supervised manner such as they can cause no trouble.
As Goddess of Death, I offer my services for the establishment of such a place and to oversee it. Other Gods of Death are present on this island. We would work together to herd the dead safely within this space and offer them satisfactory conditions until their souls are ready to return to their homeworlds. Dead native to Avalon would be granted eternal rest and peace. Simultaneously, we would train those chosen by you personally to handle and oversee the Realm of the Dead in due time. It ensures that once the Calamity solved, Avalon would continue to benefit from the fruit of this endeavor.
[ She lowered her head in a gesture of respect before looking back at Morganna. ]
I humbly ask you to consider my offer and give me the means to establish such a place. You stand to gain peace and stability. Even should you disregard the risks I demonstrated exist, this is a chance for Avalon to become a better place for you and yours.
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[That is her response to that long speech. Don't worry, despite the way she drawled that one syllable she actually was listening...just not very impressed.]
You ask for two things and yet only offer one gift? And neither are little things either...
[She presses her hand to her cheek, still smiling sharp as a knife.]
I'm afraid, the price will be rather higher than the one you have already paid.
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Some things never change across worlds. ]
I am offering my knowledge for the creation of such a place and my services as overseer of the newly created land of the dead. I am also offering my experience and wisdom to train and prepare your chosen ones to take over once the time has come.
[ There is a pause there. Ereshkigal thought she should be the one being paid for all that. Avalon has whatsoever no death management, it's a disaster in the making. She's practically the one doing Morganna a favor there. At the very least, a thank you would be welcome.
... Maybe she's the slightest bit arrogant, too. ]
However, should the safety and ensured prosperity of your realm not be enough of a boon- [Another pause here, with the hope that Morganna feels a bit of shame at asking even more. That's quite literally Ishtar levels of greed...!] I am ready to hear your price.
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Besides, the realm seems to have managed just fine thus far.
[Avalon hadn't really needed an afterlife.]
But since you are ready to hear the price...[She pauses for dramatic effect, then holds a hand out, a flame igniting on it.] The deactivation of the stone giant and your creation of a land of the dead are two separate matters. Which will you like to hear about first?
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[ She specifically pointed at the calamity that was now visible. But she tried calming down. ]
That is all because the living are permitted to mess with the dead. And I need not remind you how many souls were lost to the stone giant.
[ If Morganna had been the first one to come up with "we've done just fine so far" argument, that'd be a thing. Arrogance and nothing more. But they were multiple people to have come up with that excuse... Even though because of the Fisher King the Calamity had progressed so much and the stone giant had eaten so many souls of the dead. Were they all insane?! Was she the only one who could see how disastrous the situation was?
Or was she the one who was deluded? An afterlife would have prevented the fisher king from being messed with and the souls from being devoured, right? She can't be wrong, that's... Impossible to imagine...! Is she going insane? ]
... I would hear the price for the land of the dead first.
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[And oh, Morganna looked up for a moment and even seemed thoughtful.]
And yet, the Calamity is caused not by the lack of land of the dead, but by a sword. And the stone giant, unfortunate as the event was [And she drawls it, as if it were an even of little import.] Had been a result of the living messing with the imprisonment arrangement of the living--who then messed around with something more ancient and powerful than they realized.
[So please explain to her how any of that is her fault for not having a land of the dead? Or even her problem, honestly.]
A quest. [She says simply as she presses her palms together. The flame isn't snuffed out but licks out between her fingers.] To gather the materials for the ritual itself, some of which I will take as payment.
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[ She was here to negotiate and she had to remain calm, but there was no way she could let an insult slide! Now was the time to just tell Morganna exactly every single thing she was wrong about! Which was, well, everything according to Ereshkigal.
Maybe Morganna had a point. ]
Wasn't the situation worsened when mortals messed with the Fisher King? That would not have happened if his soul had been safe in an afterlife. It only happened because you were too complacent and didn't realize the risks inherent to not having a land of the dead.
[ Ereshkigal took a step forward and pointed a finger at her. There was no deep voice or attempt at sounding charismatic any more. In fact she was quite agitated right now. ]
And do you not care for the souls that were lost? That easily could have been saved had they been beyond the reach of the stone giant?
[ That was the absolute worst! The way she behaved as if that wasn't important in the least! Ereshkigal had completely forgotten about her offer for now, the price. Which is a shame because that sounds like an actually very fair price. ]
I will not stand to be insulted by one who puts her own pride and selfish desires over the good of her realm! What kind of goddess are you? You should work for the better of your people, yet you behave like nothing more than a self-important child!!
Sorry for the late reply had to work out some details first.