TO SURRENDER A SOUL [WATER ANIMIST PACT]

[Anbennar 2351]

 

TO SURRENDER A SOUL

 

Tahaan sat at the edge of the burning campfire, surrounded by the Shaman Kaalghaash and several others. The smell of cactus green rushed their senses, their pupils dilated as the Shaman spoke to bring them all into a Spirit Walk. The Shaman’s hand placed into the flame to draw blood to entice. 

 

“Lûp lât Akathro! Lûp lâtz uzg! Bhûl izû! Bhûl izû!”

- Kaalghaash

 

It was dark. A single blink, and everything was void and darkness. The senses rendered null and void. It could have been minutes, it could have been hours, it could have been days that it felt like this. Finally, one sense given; sound. The sound of running water. Sight; a shimmer of light above. The Devil saw the light, and swam up in the watery-void to it. The surface tension of the water was broken, the figure rising, a hand going to cover the Devil’s eyes from the burning sun of this domain. 

 

“We ahm here to guide. Lat know whub lat need to offer… Choose quick, or they will choose for lat.”

 

“Akathro! I call upon you! I offer myself as a follower of your radiance!”

 

A second translated… “Akathro, suurirlab bugdizg!”

 

“Amirz lât? Urûkhim, golug ûgh..” The Spirit replied

 

“I do not understand what is said..”

 

“They ask your names. We do nub gruk they get many visitors.. Agh nub demons.”

 

And so the Devil gave their name. They parlayed and spoke with the Spirit, an intermediary aiding in the translation. 

 

“I wish to save my soul from the irredeemable depths of The High Hells. I have built a Shrine in your honor.” The Devil felt the tug of something at their leg. 

 

A dozen or so massive blue-skinned watersnakes gathered around the people in the water, circling them like an easy prey. They do not appreciate the parties presence in this plane.

 

“Da spirits.. Do nub enjoy lat being here.”

 

“As to be expected. I held no anticipation for them to appreciate my presence.”

 

“Snagaz! Snagaz!” The Spirit screamed.

 

“They want more from lat. Latz price ahm higher.”

 

“Lat'z grizh ahm ztained…It muzt be purivied in the zight ob the Ilzguulz..”

 

One of the fellows in the party cut his palm, letting his blood pool into the water to please the serpents as they circled ever closer and closer. His red blood absorbed into the bluish-hues of the water, and kept the Serpents at bay for a few more moments, pleased with this little offering. But soon after they grew hungry for another gift, and re-engaged with circling around the party like hungry beasts, they wanted more. They wanted a MAJOR gift. 

 

“Anything! More shrines, claimed land, followers, offerings! Anything, but do it quick before they kick us all out.” Kaalghaash demanded, growing nervous with the Serpent’s behavior. 

 

“My blood! A Second Shrine! My most Sentimental Item!” The Devil bartered.

 

“Lâtz Slaiyûm! The Serpent-Spirits in unison screamed to the entire party as they lunged forth to all in the circle, demanding the highest offer from the Devil.

 

“I will give you my soul! To steal a meal from Ixris!”

 

“Izû bhûl!” The Serpents all roared before rushing at those who remained, closing the circle. They grew in sizes as they came closer and opened their maw. With sharp teeth they bit legs and arms until nothing remained but disturbed bloody water.

 

Back in the Mortal Plane, Tahaan rose in a daze from where they sat infront of the campfire. Physically, they did not feel much different, but they heard a whisper in the back of that head of theirs… 

 

“We accept your offer. You are mine, little thing. Empower my Shrine, and the rest will unfold.”
 

-=-

“YOU.”

 

“ARE.”

 

“MINE!”

 

Spoiler

Pact post for Water Animism. Spirit Walk conducted by Witch-Doctor Kaalghaash.