#threads; devlin/astra

[pyrokineticwarrior]

Evoking a Goddess || @theasteria

Devlin went into the woods and selected white sage, its silvery leaves releasing a subtle aroma of purification. Lavender, with its vibrant purple blooms, was chosen for its calming and healing properties. He found frankincense resin nestled among the trees, its heady scent promising a connection to the sacred. Lastly, he discovered myrrh resin, its rich aroma hinting at ancient wisdom and protection. With the basket filled, Devlin returned to the sacred space where he intended to meet Astra. He arranged the herbs in a small, intricately woven bowl, their colors and scents mingling harmoniously. He took a moment to center himself, grounding his thoughts and intentions.

As he presented the offering to Astra, Devlin spoke from his heart, his voice filled with sincerity and respect. "Goddess Astra," he began, his words carrying a blend of reverence and vulnerability, "I come before you with these sacred herbs, gifts from the earth that symbolize purity, healing, and protection. I offer them to you as a symbol of my devotion, seeking your divine presence and guidance."

He continued, his expression earnest. "May the smoke of the burning herbs carry my intentions to you, enveloping us in a sacred space where I can humbly request your protection. I seek your wisdom and grace, that I may navigate the challenges ahead with clarity and strength. Please bless me with your presence and watch over me as I walk this path."

[pyrokineticwarrior]

"I don't know where I am. I seemed to have lost my way. What is this place?"

"You're lost? Oh, I can help you, I'm Devlin by the way," he introduced himself as he ceased his polishing movements on the large, silver shield that showcased the shape of a fearsome lion. He had just finished a practice event before the great show later this week, and there were some audience members even in such circumstances. While the crowd seemed to have cleared away, she looked like she couldn't find the exit, and instead come to the back room where the warriors would be hydrating and rubbing their faces with towels.

"This place is the hero's den, where we relax, or try to. I'm the only one here- the rest went out to the bath house. What is your name, fair lady?"

[pyrokineticwarrior]

Devlin watched as the golden glimmer dissipated, leaving a faint trail in the air. He took a moment to absorb the words of the goddess Astra, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through him. Fate had brought him here, and he knew he had to follow this path to find Elysia and mend whatever had been broken between them.

With a determined resolve, Devlin bid farewell to the forest, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon where Greece awaited. He thanked the goddess Astra silently in his heart for her guidance and turned to set off on his journey.

The path ahead was unknown, but Devlin trusted his instincts, knowing they would lead him to the demigod camp where Elysia was said to be. He felt a flicker of hope ignite within him, fueled by the prospect of reuniting with her and finding resolution.

As he ventured forward, Devlin remained vigilant, his senses heightened. He embraced the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that this quest was not just about finding Elysia but also about discovering himself and his own purpose.

Days turned into weeks as Devlin traveled through landscapes both familiar and foreign. He encountered various obstacles along the way, testing his strength and determination. Yet, he pressed on, driven by the belief that their paths were destined to converge once again.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of searching, Devlin arrived at the outskirts of the demigod camp. He could sense the presence of powerful energies emanating from within, a sign that he was getting closer to Elysia.

@theasteria

Devlin and Elysia walked the same path, though their paths diverged long ago. However, Fate was now bringing them back to heal whatever was broken long ago.

Astra dare not reveal to Elysia that Fate was on its way; she did not take kindly to Fate to begin with - as it subjected her to a curse for most of her life. At best, she was stoic in Olympus. At worst, she left a wreckage in her wake and caused some deities major injuries.

Astra smiled at Devlin, warmth filling her features. It was rare that a demigod prayed to her and sought her guidance. They were mainly filled with hatred for the Greek Gods. And rightfully so; they had been subject to much pain and tragedy in their life because of their lineage.

She let out a soft laugh, the vibrations around the forest rising, birds singing with happiness in response. "She is in Greece, running a Demigod camp for those who have lost their way. Her symbol is that of the Panhellenios house: Lightning. Follow your instincts and the lost shall be found."

With that, she gave him a nod and faded from sight, leaving a glimmer of gold in her wake.

@pyrokineticwarrior

[pyrokineticwarrior]

Devlin's gaze remained fixed on Astra as her hand rested upon his head, the golden light enveloping him. He felt a surge of energy coursing through his body as the impurity was lifted, and the effects of the Lust demon dissipated. The power vortex that threatened to consume him was replaced by Astra's Blessing, filling him with clarity as well as a new purpose.

As Astra spoke of the memories that had been taken from him, Devlin's heart skipped a beat. Elysia Hellfire... The name stirred something deep within him, an inexplicable connection that he couldn't fully grasp. He had heard that name before, but the memories associated with it remained frustratingly elusive.

His mind raced with questions, a mix of excitement and trepidation. What was the significance of Elysia Hellfire? How did their paths intertwine? And most importantly, how could he find her and restore the memories that had been taken?

Devlin finally found his voice, his words a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. "Goddess Astra, I am eternally grateful for your Blessing and guidance. The insight you have granted me are gifts beyond measure. I will honor them always."

He took a deep breath, his determination unwavering. "As for Elysia Hellfire, I will search for her with all my heart. I will unravel the mystery of our connection and seek to restore the memories that have been lost. Can you offer any guidance on where to start my search? Any hints or signs to guide me on this journey?"

@theasteria

Brown eyes were on his for a long moment, her feet levitating off the floor by a few inches, long hair flowing in slow waves, untouched by the weather or the winds. She considered his words carefully, his path unfolding in front of her, branching out in various ways, though it would all depend on his choices.

The main choice, however, it seems was made. "You have grown wiser. That is not a lesson most people learn easily." The goddess ventured closer, the power pulsing off her in waves as she raised a hand, resting it atop his head.

Devlin's body became encased in a golden light and Astra's pupils glowed white as the impurity within him was lifted. The deal between him and Cassian dissolved and the effects of the Lust demon shifted. This, however created a power vortex. Instead, Astra replaced the void it left within him with her Blessing.

Her Blessing contained the powers of Sight and clarity. Devlin would not only forge strong foundations for his own power, but his powers of discernment and intuition would increase exponentially. Astra lowered her hand as the Blessing settled within him, smiling softly. "There is one thing I cannot fix.... that is because you are meant to heal it on your own. There are memories that have been taken from you. Your path is meant to guide you to the one who can restore them. You walk the same path as her. Elysia Hellfire." She did wonder if that name would ring a bell. Then again, that spell put on him was quite nasty. Still, Astra could not remove it as it was part of his fate to undo it himself.

@pyrokineticwarrior

[pyrokineticwarrior]

Devlin's eyes widened in awe as the golden light filled the woods, and he found himself standing before the goddess Astra. Her presence exuded a sense of power and wisdom that was both captivating and comforting. He listened intently to her words, the honeyed tones of her voice resonating within him.

A mixture of curiosity and gratitude washed over Devlin as he absorbed the offer presented to him. He was also nervous and at an awe. As a warrior for Olympus, he had always believed in the existence of higher beings, but each time he was in the presence of one, he seemed to always be stunned and feeling small. It reminded him of the time he was ridiculed and belittled in that brief visit to Olympus, and since then he hadn't felt the presence of Zagreus anymore. As if that entity had vanished entirely!

He took a moment to collect his thoughts, feeling the weight of the dark entity's presence and the emotional attachment he had developed toward it. It was true that he had started questioning his role as a hunter, his perception of monsters becoming more nuanced over time. The internal conflict had been growing, and now, faced with a choice that could potentially sever the bond, he had to make a decision.

Devlin met Astra's gaze, his gratefulness shimmering in his eyes. "Goddess, I am honored by your presence and your offer. Your guidance would be invaluable to me, especially as I navigate this path that feels increasingly uncertain. While I do have an attachment to the dark energy, it has been causing me inner turmoil and raising doubts within me."

He breathed deeply, his voice filled with determination. "I have dedicated myself to protecting the innocent and fighting against those who seek to harm others. But I've begun to realize that not all monsters are truly evil, that some may be victims of circumstance or driven by forces beyond their control. It weighs heavily on my conscience."

Devlin's gaze held both hope and vulnerability as he continued, "If your blessing can help me find clarity, to discern between true evil and those deserving of mercy, then I humbly accept it. I want to be a force for good in this world, but I also want to understand the complexities of the beings I encounter. Guide me, Goddess Astra, and help me find my true path."

@theasteria

Being a goddess that was more on the newer end, not many in the mortal realm knew who she was. Her kingdom had expanded predominantly in the Spiritual realm and of course, amongst the stars and those who watched over the various timelines that ran through this reality.

Really, the only beings that knew of whom she was were Ulysses and his relations...including Cthulhu. Olympus knew her well and of course...Cyrus, whom was going to be a problem later down the line in her own current timeline.

Her intuition picked up a prayer, one that carried an herbal scent and an honest request. Astra usually did not get prayers from the earthly realm for her directly, and so this truly piqued her interest.

Golden light shone within the woods, near the source of the prayer. Astra appeared, floating slightly off the ground encased in golden light before the light faded and her feet lowered to the ground in front of the demigod. Gentle, brown hues studied him, her Sight revealing various different pathways of Fate, though at the same time, there was a dark entity attached to him via a contractual bond.

Her gaze followed the line of the bond beyond the woods, leading thousands of miles away to the embodiment of Sin, an entity that was part of an entirely different pantheon. Her gaze retracted back to the man. "Devlin," her voice was like honey, warm and soothing to anyone who heard it.

"It is nice to meet you," lips curved up into a gentle smile. "My blessing is powerful and it would eliminate the cursed bond that currently is in effect... and all remnants of it. I sense an emotional attachment to the dark energy. Would you still like me to invoke my blessing?" The Greek gods often gave humans no choice and did not inform of the consequences of such blessings and protection. Astra was hoping to be a bit different than the original Greek gods. "Your path ahead is harsh... but I would be happy to guide you."

@pyrokineticwarrior