2024.1.31: Orrery Adventures: Helios

Adventures in Orrery Making: Helios
A trip to the palace of the Sun God to beg a piece of his realm for the orrery, and to request knowledge of his gifts.
IC Date	January
IC Time	Afternoon
Players	Pancake Branton Irsa Rhapsody Boots
Location	The surface of the Umbral Sun
Prp/Tp	Happens alongside This log
Spheres	Gaian Garou

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Cast: Boots: Mr. Pink, Irsa: Mr. Blue, Rhapsody: Mr. Green, Branton: Mr. Red, ST/Iris: Mr. Black

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xxxxxSo what's been happening? Well, it's not exactly the love boat, but it's possibly been a fun trip getting from Mercury to the Sun, the lounge has plenty to drink, snacks galore, karaoke 25/8, there's interesting spirits to talk to or get into arm wrestling matches with (assuming the spirit in question has actual arms, that is), Soul Train style dance offs and surely some sparring here and there as well. Gotta keep everyone fighting fit, after all!
xxxxxSlowly but surely the already fucknormous sun just gets bigger and bigger till it takes up practically all of one's vision when looking that direction. And then, the big day arrives! This is noticeable by all the turbulence. Boat shaking around, shit starting to fall off shelves, someone probably got a loose backpack right to the face while waking up, that sort of thing. It's not terrible as of yet, just sorta annoying.
xxxxxIris can be found up on the bridge of the ship, fighting with the complicated armillary sphere steering mechanism a bit, trying to navigate the solar road this close to the source. Nearby are the supplies that have been made ready for the trip down. She's currently arguing with a big mouthed lizard that is CERTAIN that the best place to be is right where she keeps trying to put a foot down. "NO! You're spiky and I don't have shoes on! No, you HAVE to move!" The lizard, meanwhile, shouts back in... spirit lizard tongue, I guess. Probably something like NU UH! or whatever other belligerent thing.

Branton will be trying to help coax the lizard away or distract it or something while his mate does her piloting thing.

All the rumbling and jostling is no bueno for Boots. There's not a lot he can do about it, except hunker down. He keeps curled up, in a hopefully darker corner. "Are we there yet?" He croaks.

Rhapsody has been a busy bee herself the last few weeks in preparation for this trip. As they are getting closer, she comes out from a room where she stored some stuff with two bags. "Who's ready for some sunscreen and bandanas! I swear - totally necessary for this adventure! Not just for fashion or skin care. Well, yes skin care because it will stop you from burning from lava." But she notices Iris is busy arguing so she waits back a moment as they handle this issue. She looks to Boots. "Oh dude, it'll be fine. We've dealt with worse, I swear."

xxxxxThe sails of the ship are either red/gold or black/silver, the red and gold ones are blazing brightly and look like they might spontaneously combust at any minute, their well crafted venerations to Helios shimmering eye wateringly. A sudden burst of turbulence makes the ship shudder and shiver like it'd just smashed into a rock. Fortunately Branton got that lizard moved, cause her foot slams down on that spot in an effort to avoid falling over, and the little guy avoids being flattened. Thank goodness for those Potence bracers, she needs the mystic help controlling the ship!
xxxxx"Someone!" she calls to the growing group of adventurous (and possibly slightly suicidal) Garou and kin, "Hit the thing!" She uses a foot to point to a lever, her hands way too busy with the steering to do it herself. That's the anchor control, it's got a little picture of an anchor on it and everything, so no one'll be left wondering! "I cant get us any closer or we're going to start taking real damage and... probably crash and die." And with Rhapsody's announcement of sunscreen and bandanas, she's not too busy to "WOO!!" for the lady's preparations. "Great job, Rhapsody!"

Branton will come back after relocating the lizard and spy his mate's pointing foot and he'll look to Boots "You want to set the parking break?"

A look to where the foot is pointing to the lever, and Boots gets into action. No need to die, not without a fight. Boots lurches towards the lever, quick as he can and pulls it as indicated. Carefully, of course - he doesn't want to snap it off! "Is this normal?" Like visiting the sun is normal.

Rhapsody looks pleased that her mentor is happy with her announcement! Boots' question gets a reply, "What is normal? Around here? There is no such thing. Expect the unexpected is as close to normalcy that you will find."

xxxxxThere's a clinking and a rattling as whatever sort of umbral space anchor thingie Iris rigged up does its thing, and a sudden LURCH! from the ship when it stops. It's sort of like trying to anchor a boat right in the middle of some rapids on an untamed river. Totally possible, but not steady, not still! The ship shudders and sways without being able to sit fully still, but there's no snapping or burning so... Like, that's a win, right?
xxxxx"We're in space without helmets, what *is* normal?" Iris agrees with Rhapsody with an excited grin. She's finally able to let go of the steering rings and get with the group.
xxxxx"BEHOLD the staggering, awe inspiring, creation balancing power of the strongest Celestine in the solar system!" Here's the thing. In ACTUAL outer space, no one can hear you scream and explosions are silent. In UMBRAL outer space, you can breathe, fly, everyone can definitely hear you scream, and at this distance from the sun it sounds like a major 4th of July fireworks display going on downtown. Just BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM all over the place down there, distant enough not to be ear shattering as of yet. "Alright, let's get suited up! Rhap, you've got the talens! Branton, you've got the sunglasses! Me, you've got the headphones and pretty scarves!"

Branton grins broadly as he starts handing out the sunglasses he made "Now these will be far too dark to wear anywhere else, crafted from the same sort of glass as welding masks are made and enchanted with a minor twist of perspective so they cover your entire field of vision. No worries about bright flashes working around the edges."

Boots is ready as he can be, with his equipment. Gathering up the talens given, sunglasses and scarves - he start donning them and applying them as needed. "Anything I shouldn't say while we're doing this? Like bringin' up Luna or such?" He wonders.

Rhapsody will take the handed out sunglasses. "Oh thank you. And everyone take a buff and a tube of sunscreen. You'll need to activate them when ready. The buff, while stylish, will help you deal with the environment, temperature, atmosphere. The sunscreen, will it's a kiss of Helios, and will protect you from any natural form of fire. And if you need to use claws or fangs, you get a boost too. Oh and for Branton, if someone you have the ability to light your hands on fire, your punch will also be boosted. But it takes 10 minutes to become effective!"

xxxxxIris brings around some ear protection, the same sort of thing you'd wear in a bustling shop or construction site where ear damage would definitely happen otherwise. There's nothing special about them other than that they exist, really. "DO NOT take the glasses off for any reason until we're back on the ship and done with the sun, you will absolutely go blind and the damage might not be fixable! You can take the ear thingies off ONLY once you've fully landed and have both feet on what passes for ground, or again, might not be able to fix the deafness." The scarves are mostly just longass strips of brilliant sun colors, not protective in any way, just cloth is all: "We're wearing his colors to show respect and loyalty to the light."
xxxxxShe points at Boots with approval of his question and tells everyone, "Talking's totally fine! The one thing you have to remember is that this is a Capital G God, so seriously do not be afraid to kiss ass or flatter. The only topics I'd steer clear of are vampires, stuff that directly opposes Helios's light, unless it's to make oaths or to specifically ask for assistance in murdering the *shit* out of those things. Like learning gifts or just being like 'I'll kill all the blood suckers for you, my guy!'. Just don't fucking criticize him about shit, the man is super, *super* proud. You know, longest worshiped and most bestest god there is and all. And this is our one moment to be *least* proud. If we wanna talk about how cool a shifter species is, talk about the Corax or the Mokole, not the Garou. And um... Yeah, have fun, enjoy the sights, BE AMAZED!"
xxxxxIris skips the talens herself to make sure they get around to all the non-elders that don't have those gifts yet. She does a quick double check to make sure EVERYONE'S got all the stuff. Rhap's talens, the ear and eye protection, like this is not the place to oops!

Branton gets his scarfs and sunglasses situated and all the assorted protections applied as he listens to the briefing "Once you have your safety gear sorted out turn to your neighbor and have them check yours while you check theirs."

Boots listens to the instructions as given. "Only met one dinosaur. Dunno about the birds." He explains, matter-of-factly. "So I'll keep my yap shut about all that." A wry grin as he gets himself ready. "I'll wait to see folks take off the earplugs." The man agrees. "And I ain't takin' the shades off until we get back on board."

Rhapsody slides on the glasses, and has the ear plugs ready to go in, the scarf around her neck, and is making sure everyone has her goodies too - there are plenty to go around! She puts on her sunscreen gel, her buff, and then will put in the ear plugs before looking to Boots to be sure he's good, and will help Irsa check hers off too.

Hammer-Tooth has been dealing with her wild Familiar and battening down all the hatches, but behold! She's now free to don all the offered gear and check out her own things. She's not leaving sunglasses to chance on her big-old crinos face, she finds some string in her pack to use as a strap to keep the shades right where they belong. "Got it, be cool, be awed, and thank th' dude for all the Gifts to murder vampires and make fire an' stuff. That right?"

xxxxxOnce everything's been passed out, stuff tied on and Kiss of Helios sunscreen is being slathered on and double checked for missed spots or whatever, Iris gives an all new pre-flight safety warning while we do the 'check yourself, then check your neighbor' portion:
xxxxx"We have to fly the rest of the way, on-foot as it were. You see those big ribbons of fire that keep shooting up? We're going to weave between them. Keep your head on a swivel, and stay tight! If you see someone get thrown off course, slap your neighbor, and that neighbor slaps THEIR neighbor and so on, so that all of us can go after them as one. We don't want to get separated, and we cant let anyone get thrown too far off course. Those explosions you hear can pretty much liquify all your organs and bones, so... I will be furthest in front, so you guys stay on my ass and I'll get us to the ground. Most importantly, don't panic! Sing a song at the tops of your lungs, trust me it'll keep your head sane and provide an outlet for all the adrenaline. Theurges, be ready with mid-flight healing! When you're ready, step overboard and join me!"

Hammer-Tooth is the coolest Bone Gnawer Crinos here with those fly shades on. I mean, probably not really, but Boots isn't in Crinos right now so she kinda wins right now. Beanie has crawled into her fetish pack, totally fine with letting Irsa-Crinos take the big ol' hits while she just goes along for the ride. "On it!" Hammer-Tooth grunts, acknowledging Mercy's orders.

Branton is good to go so he hops the rail to join his mate in flight, grinning broadly and clearly quite excited "I've so been looking forward to this."

Rhapsody is all ready and she goes ahead to shift up alongside her packmate. Now all furry, geared up, and stylish AF, she's ready for this fun. >>Are we supposed to hear anything?<< Maybe she has the ear plugs in TOO good. She realizes it's time to boogie, and is off with Hammer-Tooth to follow along CLOSELY with Mercy.

xxxxxThe winds immediately begin to buffet the pack as they head towards the sun, and flying becomes harder the closer they get. It really is like flying into a hurricane! The explosions cant be heard through the ear protection yet, so you're left with your own inner sound track and heart beat while moving forward. An explosion on the surface lights up bright white-yellow and a ribbon of fire errupts towards the group, indeed looking like the five mile long on-fire dragon that Iris warned everyone about before. The light serpent aims straight for the tiny meat morsels and opens its mouth wide, and Iris points excitedly right at the open mouth and doesn't attempt to lead the group out of its way. But if everyone was paying attention, then they know they gotta take 3 hits from the guardian Incarna to pass. And they are snapped into the mouth of a GIGANTIC beast, but... they're fine, they burst out of the flame on the other side, the spirit arcing back down to the sun.

Hammer-Tooth can't do her wild lupus otter-swim in this shape, but she's got the breast stroke on lock. Look at her go! Oh right, ear protection. She slaps those on as well. Just in time, here comes the first wave of obstacles. Flame Serpent incoming! She winces as the group is engulfed by the creature, and lets out her breath in a burst when they pass through it. >> Is this both test and fun? << she growls at Mercy.

Protector-of-Hope has her own dog paddle going on and is keeping as close as she can even with her eyes bugging out wildly with the attacks being sent their way. Sometimes her limbs do go a bit faster to not only keep up but not get behind! There is probably a squeak from her when the pass into the creature, but she has to trust.

Branton is happy to bob and weave through the sky, dancing with his Element's greatest manifestation as he laughs and starts humming 'flight of the valkyries'. He is careful to stay with the group he but almost doesn't need prompting when the fire dragon comes up to say hello.

xxxxxBoots handles stuff surprisingly well! I mean it's impossible to tell if he's screaming or what's going on in his head, but he sticks with the group and is not freaking out when they come out off the first painless chomp. That wasn't so bad!
xxxxxMeanwhile, Iris and her husband do things superhero style rather than swimmy style when it comes to flying probably. Who knows!
xxxxxNow, as they get closer and all the group's field of view is nothing but fire and violent eruptions, you get to feel the explosions that you cant hear, dull thuds and vibrations against your bodies from eruptions hundreds of miles away, explosions roughly the size of an entire earthly continent. Even with the protections of talens and gifts, you can still feel the *sting* of heat. No blisters, no burns, but it IS the most powerful fire, like, anywhere, so... Stings a little. The winds become even wilder as they get closer, and from one side a vicious golden dragon of fire sweeps in, solar-flare-wings spread wide and flame teeth glinting.
xxxxxThis time things actually kinda hurt! The burning of the Incarna's mouth is ignored, and maybe its bite at such small creatures was ill placed, but everyone's knocked by its fucknormous teeth, and Boots takes one hell of a cut on the way through. Rhapsody doesn't get hurt in the same way, but the wildness of the solar flare's breath straight up HURLS her off course, the Fury spinning wildly through the air and plummeting off to the left at a rapid pace!

Oh shit! Helios is super pissed. The chips are well and truly down, this mofo is fully trying to fire-shank some annoying Garou intruders. Hammer-Tooth lets out a dismayed howl as Rhapsody is torn free from the pack by Helios' breath and is jettisoned out towards the Deep Umbra. >> That's my SISTER! << she thunders, skidding away from the path of the breath and hurtling right towards Protector-of-Hope. She snatches at the Black Fury's arm, misses the strike, and goes for a full-on body tackle instead. Just in time! She drags her towards the group, growling all the way.

Protector-of-Hope goes flailing! Can you hear a scream in space? Well on the Sun - when everyone has ear plugs in - no one can hear the furry crinos fury screaming! >> HEEEELLLLLPP!!! << sadly knowing she will not be heard. As she spins out of control further away from the party. Before she realizes it - in the spinning chaos - she's tackled! >> THANK GAIA! YOU SAVED ME! << Of course she is yelling, since no one can hear anything as it is.

xxxxxIris, Branton and Boots angle to catch up with Irsa and Rhapsody so no one's lost in the hellscape around them. The elder does some rough signing on one side and then the other to make sure everyone gets the jist of 'one more, then ground'. The solar winds buffet them like crazy as they near their goal, every second is a fight for most of the group to just stay on target, stay together, even a second of weakness and you'll be thrown miles off course and into explosive doom. So far so good, they're threading this needle very well!
xxxxxFrom directly in front of them, right where they're aiming comes a colossal boom that's loud even through the headphones, and hits like a punch to the gut. A fiery beast of rage and light erupts from the ground and swipes with a clawed hand that's roughly the size of a building, quite literally slapping these bitches out of the sky. Slapped the bitch right out of Boots, that's for sure! There's no missing the sudden, complete limpness on impact, that dude is *out*, and now falling uncontrolled towards the surface of the sun!

This is bad, going to worse, going to nightmare really fast. Now it's Boots getting smashed by the Celestine and kicked out into doom. Hammer-Tooth lets out a vicious snarl and darts after him while Beanie pokes her head out of the fetish pack to watch the carnage. ~ Dah Duh Dah Dah! Imperial! ~ the Rat shouts. How margarine plays into this is anyone's guess, but Spirits latch onto the wildest jingles. Hammer-Tooth snatches at Boots' digigrade foot and hauls him back, moments before he's lost for good. >> No. Dying. Now. Warrior. THAT'S AN ORDER! << she snarls as she's slapped towards the ground with the others.

Protector-of-Hope sees what happens, and she's on it to help! She sees Hammer-Tooth go for it with Imperial Beanie, and she'll follow up when FAFO is caught and Hammer-Tooth oofs to the ground. >> Here I come to save the day!! << She sings that with her wolfiness and reaches out to touch FAFO's leg - offering a kind touch to heal him all up!

Branton takes a couple of bad beats himself, though not nearly the thumping Boots got, but makes a three point superhero landing. Not very graceful, and kind of heavy, but he is on his feet shortly after.

For a minute Boots was weightless - falling. What the fuck?! When did trucks show up in space? And which one hit him? After being caught by Hammer-Tooth and hauled back, he shakes awake after the healing from Protector-of-Hope. And he is pissed. <<IMMA FUCK UP THE SUN!>> He growls.

Hammer-Tooth growls angrily as she twists mid-air to try and land on her feet. This is gonna hurt. Probably a lot, but such is Garou life. Battle Scars and broken limbs for all!

xxxxxIris was very nearly about to shit herself when she saw Boots take such a hard hit, nerves all jangled up and ready to be Plan B if Irsa and Rhapsody don't manage... But they do! She quick flips and does a sort of stumbly half run of a landing, not quite crashing but maybe not super graceful either. Once landed, she takes off her earmuffs.
xxxxxSo, we've landed on the sun! It's really calm, all things considered, a sort of slooooowly undulating expanse of gold/red rolling hills that occasionally burst into flames, and out there grazing are herds of really, really big golden cattle and really, really big lizards. The sky - which is very definitely not exploding - is home to huge golden birds, some kind of eagle species maybe. Under the feet of the pack is a roadway of blue embers that leads through the solar landscape towards a particularly tall rise whereupon sits the citadel of Helios.
xxxxxIt's... it's so, *so* big. The lupus amongst us might see a hugenormous eagle's nest of gold with a little opening at the bottom, the Furies doubtless see the home of Apollo in all its legendary majesty. The Gnawers might see something more modern, something extremely opulent, think the palace of Asgard from the Marvel movies maybe. The air is calm, it's hot as balls, but no one's dead!

FAFO is shaking off the feeling of being knocked out of his senses - even as he's readying the axe. He is /seething/ with rage, the young Ahroun clearly on the warpath. There's a pause as he spots Iris tugging off the earmuffs. He does the same, though all he's saying at the moment is a litany of garou expletives.

Hammer-Tooth lands in a heap. So much for graceful entrances. Beast clambers up to perch on her head, checking out the surroundings. ~ Ooooh, shiny! ~ the Rat pipes as she dances on HT's noggin. The Bone Gnawer theurge looks around. >> When did we get to Vegas? << she growls.

Branton dusts himself off and has a look around as he drips a bit from one of the scrapes he go during the descent. It must not be that bad he doesn't seem to have noticed and he just takes the ear protection off and has a look around "Well, that's a thing that just happened yeah?"

xxxxxEveryone but Boots is probably dinged up to one degree or another, and Iris comes checking on everyone like a panicked momma wolf. "Are you okay? Is everyone okay??" she asks wiping her own blood off her face where it's decided to leak out of her nose. "Holy shitballs, lookitchoo! We fucking *rocked* that Gauntlet! Not gonna lie, I thought we were all gonna die for a hot second there, but we DIDN'T! Oooooooh thank the goddess I don't have to explain that to your parents! Okay! So. We gotta go up there. We're gonna be nice and NOT fight the god of the sun!" she reminds, pointing to Boots and Branton both! Just in case! "We'll make some offering and I'm gonna ask for some sun to take home and um... Yeah. Honestly after all that just a minute ago, I feel like I'm cheating you out of a holiday or something."

Hammer-Tooth stashes her ear protection in her pack and shakes out her ruff. >> You owe us each a case of beer, << she huffs at her mentor. Her wounds begin to knit closed as her Garou regeneration kicks in.

Protector-of-Hope is dusting herself off and checking the others too. >> Beer? I want a spa day. At least a hot springs - not hot like this - but you know what I mean. << She takes out her ear protection and puts that in her pack as well. Taking in a few deep breathes, she's feeling the damage taken, but is slowly healing up.

FAFO gives a look to Iris, taking in deep breaths through his nostrils. >>I will be nice. Right now. I can't say I'll remain it if he's a dick.<< He chuffs out, slowly putting the axe back over his shoulder.

xxxxxIris WANTS to bestow healing, but she doesn't unless she's asked. Consent and all that, and like if ya girl wanna walk it off like a badass, who's Iris to stop her? She starts them on the road up to Helios's place. The guy cant possibly get that many guests, so maybe he's compensating, or maybe he just REALLY wants to impress the few guests he does get. Thanks to the talens and gifts, walking on the coal path is like walking on gravel, and that's only bad for people that wear open toed shoes. You always get a rock stuck under your foot in those. A hill nearby quietly whooshes in flame that climbs high up into the sky before going out again, sun cattle low and lizards just kinda watch the passers by. The home itself is, as stated, enormous. Like I really can not under state how *big* this one guy's home is, regardless what it looks like to each person according to their view of the sun deity. The doors are super tall and super wide, and look like solid gold. And here's where we run into a problem, the door knockers are like way up there, we're gonna have to do some human ladder type shit to reach them. The design of the doors is, of course, lots of sun burst motifs, lots of birds, ravens and eagles in particular, and maybe some particularly spiteful designs of certain wyrmspawn being smoted by the sun.

>> I am not happy either, but if you attack him you will die or be permanently maimed, and then who will protect our Kin? << Hammer-Tooth rumbles at FAFO. >> You can beat up the Raisin Bran mascot later and feel better. << Look out, shade-wearing cereal sun! She shakes out her ruff again and pads after the others, sticking close to FAFO and Protector-of-Hope. >> These doors are nice. And tall. Should we throw Gallagher at them and see if they open? << It all looks like Vegas to her.

Branton checks himself over eventually as the group starts moving towards the palace, finding a couple of cuts he fishes a jar of healing salve from one of his pouches and dabs it on, the stored magic within making short work of his injuries. For his part Branton doesn't seem to aggressive, he seems relaxed and impressed.

Protector-of-Hope shakes her head, >> Hold it together, FAFO. We are guests at an Incarna's home. I'd imagine he's protective - much like we are of our territory too. Think how you would feel if random shifters showed up in the Dead Mall? << She's checking the place out and is in awe.

xxxxx"Naaaaah, you're lookin at it all wrong!" Iris insists while inspecting the doors and then waving the group over, "There's nothing to be upset about at all, guys! Aaaaaanyone that wishes to stand before the sun god must prove their worthiness against his guardians. Which is what you did as great warriors, you took three direct hits, unflinching against his worst, and you survived. Thus, this calmer world and an audience with his majesty is your reward. Don't be mad, be *proud*, you just accomplished something amazing, you're worthy to stand on the freakin *sun*! Maybe you just need to work off the stress. Irsa, climb up on FAFO there and knock for us, would you?"

FAFO nods, still angry. If he had pockets, he'd be stuffing his hands in them, like a sullen teen. He's not far off, honestly. If there was a rock in his way, he'd kick it. At the suggestion from Iris, he moves closer to the door and places his hands in a cradle for Hammer-Tooth to climb up on.

Hammer-Tooth snorts as she eyes the knocker. >> Up there? All right.<< And with that, she nods her thanks at FAFO for the boost, and clambers up to nab that knocker. She'll probably need to stand on her tribemate's head to reach it, but he's a sturdy Ahroun dude. >> Sorry, << she mutters at him, trying not to accidentally smack him in the face with a flailing rear paw.

Protector-of-Hope will stand near FAFO and Hammer-Tooth just in case something knocks back and someone falls from this position to knock. >> We should be proud! We are a great team! <<

xxxxxThe knocks on the door bong out like a giant bell had been struck, and the doors open with nary a hint of creaking nor squeaky hinge sound, swinging inwards with the ease of excellent balancing and craftsmanship. Beyond is a cavernous antechamber that could probably fit a city's worth of people leading to the throne room (or central altar or heart of the nest or whatever). Regardless of how you see it, it's rich, it's opulent, it's bright and golden. Aside from the staggering wealth of the place, all its gold, rubies, fire opals and such decorating ornate art, like there is a serious narcissism in here. Helios is the kind of guy that would have several portraits of himself in his own apartment, you know? Of course, it's more like giant golden suns and images of his many, many faces throughout all the ages of Man wrought 20 feet tall on his walls.
xxxxxThe man himself sits upon a massive red ruby throne, the thing carved fittingly for a king above all kings. Good thing you have those sun glasses, this dude is bright even with them on, and he's a little difficult to look directly at. A golden bird, a haloed Greek man, a Super Rich Dude, however you see him, he's bright, and is in a dramatically unphased lounge just now.

Branton looks up at the doors, appraising them with a craftsman's eye while the garou handle the knocking. Then as the hall is revealed he gives a low, impressed whistle as he follows along.

Hammer-Tooth does a double take as this glorious interior is revealed. IN seconds, she whips out a sketchbook and begins drawing all of this.

Protector-of-Hope looks around in awe and she lowers her head in reverence to the big man. She'll walk inside with the others, taking in the goldness of the promised land here.

Once he's done being a step-ladder for his boss, he dusts himself off. Then it's into... the gaudiest Russian mobster's house he's ever dreamed of. <<Holy fuck.>> He chuffs, walking in with the others - making sure to be near to Hammer-Tooth - taking bullets or lasers in her place as needed.

xxxxxIt's kind of a long walk towards the throne, aside from being very bright, he's also very big, the crinos no bigger than toddlers to him, by comparison, and the homid types even littler. His voice is strong and clear when he asks, "What is it you seek, little Garou, that you would come to my throne directly?" And here Iris states her case, but since I don't want to RP with myself, we're just gonna sum it up! Firstly, she does some serious prostration in her greeting, and before getting to any sort of business she whips out offerings and encourages the others to do so as well. Helios's version of 'aw that's cool, I love it!' is to wave magnanimously towards some large gold bowls to put your stuff in. She also states her case about needing a little smidgin of Sun and the orrery and the whole leg up it'll give in the fight against the Wyrm. She gets a "Go forth and harvest my fire for your device of light and prophecy. I give my blessing in these endeavors. And the rest of you, what do you seek of me?"

Branton made a hip flask coated in pure gold done up in a sun and fire theme to present as his offering. He has no personal request though, Just standing by his mate and supporting her.

>> Shit, not enough rizz," Hammer-Tooth mutters to erase, erasing a thing quickly and resketching it. She looks up at Helios when the Celestine speaks, looking appropriately impressed and awed. ~ Great and Glorious Helios, ~ she greets the Spirit in her most formal voice. ~ Thank you for your test, and your graciousness in allowing us here. I myself am a humble Garou, but I would like to offer you two things. One, I would like to sketch you and create your portrait, so I may hang it in my Tribe's den so all can admire your radiance. And two, I would like to honor you in battle by dedicating the death of the next Leech Sire we slay to you, and lay its skull in a shrine to you.~ She pauses to let that offer be considered. ~ I would ask to learn the Gift to Ride the Solar Winds, so I may travel far and speak of the wonders I have seen here to one and all.~

FAFO wasn't looking to learn from Helios, or to ask for a blessing. Still, he didn't come completely unprepared. He brought one of his treasured things from his Stuff. A magnifying glass is set in the bowl for the Sun God. Let him use that to cook some ants!

Protector-of-Hope bows as well in front of Helios, ~ Great and mighty Helios, I beseech thee. I shall perform the rite of Greeting the Sun every morning, and the next leech we kill I will call out your name in victory and praise to you. In return, I ask to learn the gift, Flame of the Wind Rider. ~ She then pulls out a necklace from her bag. It is a simple gold chain with a gold pendant of a flaming sun. It isn't expensive, or big, but it is something.

xxxxxHelios loves all of this! The offerings, the requests, and especially especially all these really nice compliments. He *is* great and glorious, isn't he? So good of you to notice! Naturally he has to keep the facade, so the pleasure of the attention is kept outwardly subdued though he can not help but smile some.
xxxxxIn agreement with Irsa's request, Helios shifts his lazy noble lounge to that of Impressive Sun God, producing a blade of flame and a shield of gold to place just so for the sketch. "Place my likeness within reach of my light, that I may look upon it.
xxxxxHe nods to Branton and comments on the craftsmanship of the vessel, "Hakahe himself would smile upon your works."
xxxxxBoots receives a polite nod of acknowledgement and has a moment's interested examination of the magnifying glass. Simple or not, that's very cool and right up his alley.
xxxxxA nod and a smile for Rhapsody, he's enjoying all this promised vampire murder! He tells the two ladies, "Do not forget your promise." There's no threat or anything, but he's gonna get temperamental if he doesn't get his victory howl later.
xxxxxIris offers a traditional yet inexpensive offering of meat and bone in the style of the Greeks. And while sketches are made and knowledge is SEARED into the brains of those that asked for gifts, there's time to wander around, look at stuff. You want an amazing view? Take your pick! Behold this staggeringly gorgeous ten foot tall statue of an elder Corax all decorated with black feathers. Have you ever seen a sun stone *this* big? It's good stuff! And Iris is ready for her brethren and sistren when they've had their fill of this hot man and his hot house.

~ I will do as you ask, Great Helios,~ Irsa replies. ~ We have a Courtyard bathed in your light that serves as the heart of my tribe's den.~ She'll keep on with her sketching until the Celestine is satisfied with the finished pose and chats with him about the hunt for the Necromancer Leech not long ago, slain in part by Light and Flame while she works. Once she's done she thanks him again and joins the others for the trip back to Mercy's ship.

Protector-of-Hope nods as well, ~ My word is my bond. Great Helios, you are wise and wonderful. ~ She says with all sincerity. Peering at what Irsa is doing, she offers >> You are very talented, sister. << She'll rise and follow them out, of course finding something along the way.

xxxxxAfter humble thanks for all the things, more compliments, more low, low bows, Helios is feeling.... Fluffed, pleased, worshiped even, and that's a great feeling! He's buffing his nails in happiness as the Garou leave his presence while their eyes still work. There's no real need to follow the path again, all they need is nothing in the way and they can jump and fly away, as demonstrated by Iris in case anyone briefly forgot they're still in a realm where that's possible. The way up is MUCH much much much muuuuuuuch easier. Still windy as hell, not really anything one can do about that, but there's no nearby explosions trying to powder one's bones, nor enormous sunfire spirits attempting to slap or bite them. Parked waaaaaay on out there is the boat, still in one piece! Bad news, we all got sun tans while down there, and have reverse raccoon eyes. Even the people with fur on, sun tans.