cempöhualliommäcuïlli. audio. she returns.

[leadsthestars]

[Coyolxauhqui sounds like she's spitting something out. She coughs away from the communicator for a minute, then takes a deep breath.]

Rivers of blood. [Another cough.] Mountains that crash together. Wind that cuts like knives. Jaguars that devour the hearts of men. Dog-men and weary souls.

And Mictlantecuhtli.

[She pauses, almost like she's

Comments

[deepdowndark]

The library is still standing. I just got permission to return to it.

I'd have demanded it previously if I knew where you were gone.

Who is Mictlantecuhtli? [...his pronunciation is surprisingly accurate.]

[leadsthestars]

My departure was sudden; I am not surprised you didn't know. I'm glad you've returned to it, and that you found it undamaged.

I am surprised it was undamaged.

Mictlantecuhtli is the Lord of the Underworld.

[deepdowndark]

It might be fortune, nothing more, unfortunately.

The underworld in a human conception of it, correct?

[leadsthestars]

Whatever it is, I am grateful.

Human is not the right word. The Underworld was divine before it became a place where mortal souls reside.

[general_chang]

Nothing of note occurred. Your warden slept.

[leadsthestars]

Hello, General Chang. My warden slept, or was in a deep sleep? A coma?

[general_chang]

Coyolxauhqui. A coma.

[leadsthestars]

That happens to her often. I wonder what that means.

How are you, General Chang?

Private.

[thegooddrjones]

I'm sorry I didn't tell people you'd gone, I fell into a coma.

Where did you go?

Alright, let's talk about that, yeah?

Private.

[leadsthestars]

I have heard. Are you feeling better? You fall asleep often.

I went to Mictlan. Jade in my mouth, I went to Mictlan. I saw Xolotl, my brother; we walked over rivers of blood and watched mountains crash together. There were obsidian mountains and bitter wind. I met with the Lord and his Lady, and we spoke for a very long time.

I feel empty. I want my magic.

Private.

[thegooddrjones]

I actually don't fall asleep that often, it's only been twice in the last six weeks and not before that?

Alright,let's meet to talk about it, yeah?

Private.

[leadsthestars]

It seems often. I hope you do not fall asleep again.

Yes, let's meet. Bring me to the pool.

[persephonepearl]

Coyolxauhqui! You have returned!

video

[leadsthestars]

[GASP. COYO'S TURNING ON THE VIDEO NOW. She looks a little haggard, but happy.]

Persephone! [Big, big grin.] Persephone, I have missed you!

Video

[persephonepearl]

[Persephone looks well rested, having just woken from a coma of her own. She definitely looks pleased to see her.]

I have missed you as well, Coyolxauhqui!

Video

[leadsthestars]

[The goddess laughs again...and it's as close to a giggle that Coyolxauhqui can manage.]

I told Mictlantecuhtli about you! He disapproves of your husband, Persephone. Mictlantecuhtli can be fearsome, but he is very loyal to his wife and thinks kidnapping should be left to gods like Tezcatlipoca.

[majorum_pride]

A pleasure to see that you have returned. [That sounds like good reason to be back.]

[leadsthestars]

A pleasure to see you as well, Gaheris Rhade. Has the Barge been good to you while I've been gone?

[majorum_pride]

[Well, the shock collar wasn't so fun. But! He killed some guys and that was fun.] It has been adequate. I hope it's equally good to you this time around.

[leadsthestars]

Adequate. What has happened in my absence?

It will be. The Barge is much better than Mictlan.