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  Melodian’s Divine Realm

  The parchment crinkled in Melodian's hands, the notes of musicality in his divine realm harmonizing with the sound. The paper in his hands crinkled again as he turned the page, causing a crescendo of soft tones in response.

  He studied the contract, reading through it for the uncounted time. In all aspects, it was an exceptional deal for him, and that made him suspicious.

  He looked up at the affable, charismatic, smiling young god before him.

  "I will say, Syloe," Melodian began, his face a mask of pleasantry, "this is an exceedingly generous offer for me. One might question why a god of wealth would offer such weighted terms"

  The god’s smile grew even larger. Syloe was young, and his appearance matched that fact. He had the kind of face one trusted instinctively… to their own demise. His eyes looked like gold coins left in water, warm bronze speckled with gray. Every movement had an easy rhythm of a being who’d never been stopped from getting what he wanted. His hair was black streaked with gold, his clothing finely tailored but mundane. Melodian had heard he never wore the same outfit again, something always changing. Despite that, everything he wore had underpinnings of gold. Light seemed to pull towards him and dance, as if paid to dance beside him

  "Oh, you think so?" Syloe said, casually leaning to his right against an invisible wall. He flashed his teeth, pure white contrasting his tanned skin. "I thought you might like it."

  The young god cocked his head towards Melodian “Do you not? I believe it’s generous enough for one of your renown.”

  "It's generous," Melodian affirmed. "But it makes me wonder why. Why have you gone to such lengths to arrange this meeting? To such lengths to gain my services."

  Syloe held out his arms. "Melodian the Magnificent, you jest. Why else would I have gone through these lengths if not to gain you? You are Melodian the Magnificent, the man, the God known throughout the realms as the foremost performer. Who else would fit my purposes but you?" Syloe’s lips pulled into his signature grin.

  Melodian did not like that grin. It was an unholy combination of salesman and gambler.

  He looked back down at the contract, his hands flipping through the pages. His hands blurred as time slowed, then froze in his realm.

  Melodian almost felt bad doing it, but you could never be cautious enough when dealing with any of the gods of wealth. Even a young upstart such as Syloe.

  And honestly? If the god had come in person– instead of a projected avatar–he would have noticed the shift. Instead the God of Performance had all the time in the world to study the upstart before him.

  Melodian stared at him, letting time inch forward at the tiniest scale. He studied his projected body, his face and mask of sincerity. Melodian had to give Syloe credit. As someone versed in masking himself, he could find no hidden tells. That should have been expected, for the grinning god had made waves throughout the realms.

  Melodian knew that he had multiple conflicts and infighting with the other gods of wealth. Tt Syloe had appeared out of nowhere, created massive businesses and taken large swaths of previously uncontested financial territory. The other gods of commerce had seen the mortal, the upstart, and attempted to squash him.

  With every turn, Syloe had outsmarted, out-dealed, and trounced any that stood in his way. Then from the ashes of others failures he had continued his expansion.

  Melodian was unsurprised when Syloe ascended to godhood.

  He has that gift. That gift definitely helped, Melodian mused.

  He wasn't entirely sure of the particulars, but from the whispers he had heard, Syloe had some innate talent.

  It revolved around wealth in the mortal realm. That ability had seen him rise from obscurity to his position now.

  But that ability had serious downsides. The other gods had deduced that it required Syloe to stay in mortal realms, despite his growing power.

  To this day, the god had not taken up a divine realm. The other gods of wealth had attempted to exploit this, yet at every turn, they failed.

  That was the hidden catch to this contract. There were countless who were foes of Syloe and if he expected Melodian the Magnificent to join these battles?

  No. That would just not do. Melodian need to find out more… and yet.

  He glanced down at the contract, and its expiration date. This sly upstart knew exactly what he was doing. The terms were good. They were generous. Oh, too generous. But they expired so quickly that Melodian wouldn't have time to research who this god was fighting.

  Melodian spun his hand and time snapped back to its normal flow, the song of his realm screeching for a miniscule moment to his ears.

  "I have a question."

  Syloe perked up. "Ah! So you do.” His eyes twinkled, face smug. “How unexpected.”

  "What type of allegiances or backing do you expect to get from this deal?"

  Syloe looked hurt. "Backing? That’s not in my contract. I want nothing of the kind.” He waved toward the parchment, causing it to phase and turn to a page. “As it states, this is clearly a one-time deal. I have no aims and making you join my side, or stand in my corner."

  He gave Melodian a wicked smile. "Although, if you were so inclined, I would not say no."

  Melodian frowned at him.

  Syloe quickly continued. "Unfortunate. Can’t blame me for trying.” His grin dropped, his face becoming serious. “But that's why I proposed this offer this way. I would like your services, Melodian the Magnificent. That is all. Would you consider it?”

  A long silence hung in the air as Melodian scanned the contract again. He let Syloe sweat, although he was most likely going to take this deal. It was far too generous to ignore. He would give it to this young god, he had done his research and gone beyond what would be required.

  Melodian opened his mouth to reply, then froze. Another divine being had touched his realm, a probing at the edge. It requested entrance and made Melodian sigh.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "Syloe, your offer is generous and pays respect that I am due. I will consider it, but I believe our meeting is at an end here."

  Syloe looked worried. "Have I offended you, Melodian the Magnificent? If the way I pushed on this matter was disrespectful, I merely–"

  "No, no," Melodian cut off his worried ramble. "You are acting within expectation. I have dealt with the gods of wealth many times. Your group tends to—how shall I put this?”

  Melodian glanced up thoughtfully. Then he met Syloe’s gaze. “Take a certain approach to almost any situation. To push a deal forward and to gain advantages is the domain of wealth’s nature. How could I not expect you to follow it?”

  He gave Syloe a practiced easy going smile.

  “In fact, if you wish to remain you are welcome to do so. Another deity has just landed on my doorstep and it seems I have an unexpected meeting to attend.”

  Syloe's eyes glinted. Golden fires shimmering, lighting up the dull coin color of his eyes.. "Another god? How could I miss introducing myself to someone who would call on Melodian the Magnificent. If you would let me stay, I would love to speak with them."

  Melodian grinned. "Oh, you would? Well then, I will let Sylira in then. I’m sure she would love to speak. She always does enjoy engaging with other gods.”

  Syloe’s eyes went wide, regret and fear shattering his smarmy visage. Melodian instantly froze time and then let it inch forward.

  Ah, yes, there it is. The normal reaction to the goddess of whispers, records and intrusion.

  Melodian dragged out that moment of realization, watching as Syloe schooled his features.

  The instant dragged on and was a highlight of Melodian’s day. Then the god of bards let time in his realm resume to normalcy.

  "Um…" Syloe squeaked, his not matching the return of his confident expression.. "Did you mean Sylira? The goddess of living records?"

  Melodian gave him an innocent smile. "Of course. Is there another Sylira that I don’t not know?"

  Syloe returned his smile with the fakest Melodian had seen on him today. The god quickly turned to his right, acting as if he was speaking to someone.

  “Oh! I was just informed by one of my mortal partners that I actually have another meeting!” He exclaimed.

  Melodian tsk’ed internally. One of the worst performances I have seen. His mind recoiled at a memory. Well… from a god at least.

  Syloe was frantically continuing his lie. “--you know how it is. Mortals can forget and then walk right in on you and remind you of things!” He laughed nervously. “Melodian the Magnificent it has been a pleasure. Please consider my request and offer and have a–”

  “Ohhhhhh? A requessst’ and offer?” The words slithered into the room.

  If Melodian didn’t know any better, it looked like Syloe had just whimpered in response.

  Whispering bandages appeared from nothing, heralding the arrival of Sylira, the goddess of living records.

  Sylira stepped from the void, her visage one that caused those that saw it to tremble yet be mesmerized. Her bandages surrounded the god of wealth, snaking through the air. Not quite touching, but far too close for comfort.

  "Oh, Sylooooeee, I did not expect to find you here. I have always thought you had such a wonderful name. Any with a name like mine are just so interesting to me.” She circled the god of wealth who had gone completely still. The gleam of his coin-like eyes dull and empty. “ And you’re here with Melodian the Magnificent. So fass-cinating." Her words snuck through space, as her eyes slid to Melodian. "Now, what were you two talking about?”

  Melodian just cocked an eyebrow.”Us two? It seems there is only you and I, Sylira.”

  Sylira’s head snapped back, her eyes targeting Syloe. In his stead, there was only a statue made of gold, wisps of divinity escaping into the void.

  “Hes goneee…” Sylira moaned with regret. “And we were about to have such a great conversation. Although…” She examined the statue. “How curious. His escape went completely unnoticed by me. He is quite talented.” Sylira smacked her lips in anticipation as her bandages spread across the statues' surface.

  She turned her head to Melodian. "Melodiannnn, You are quite popular today."

  Melodian smiled, his practiced mask snapping into place. "Sylira, It was quite rude to scare away my guest." Melodian tutted. "So what do I owe the pleasure?"

  Sylira lips cracked into a sly, lascivious smile. "We can talk about that later, Melodian the Magnificent. Right now I'm more interested in what Syloe was doing here."

  Melodian shook his head. "I will save you the trouble, Sylira. It’s a contract, and as such —" he gestured toward the parchment "—even you cannot inject yourself in between a contract between deities."

  Sylira pouted. "Pfft, boo. You're no fun."

  Melodian smiled. "Now, would you care to tell me why you're here?"

  Sylira sighed. "No fun at all, no fun at all.” Her bandages returned to her and joined the others around her body. The statue of the Syloe had vanished.

  “But you're right,” Sylira continued with a slight pout. “I don't have much time for this visit anyways. I merely came to let you know that my plans in a particular valley are well underway." She beamed at Melodian. “Unfortunately, I think my follower may have misunderstood my intentions. It’s a shame that contact with the mortals was just suspended until the next event.”

  "I don’t know what you are talking about." Melodian said, giving her a look. “I want nothing to do with a valley claimed by the martial god.”

  Sylira nodded sagely. "Ah,that’s too bad." She smiled. "It’s a shame. I believe the show will be quite interesting. Maybe even interesting enough to help a god to feel inspired and ascend past a wall.” Sylira’s smile practically lashed out at Melodian.

  He grimaced. He hated the fact that Sylira knew of his struggles. Not every god could ascend further. and some wouldn't even try.

  Most assumed that Melodian was content with where he stood.

  But underneath, he was never content. He wanted to climb higher, to have a better performance, to reach heights never seen. But the wall he had run into had halted his progress for centuries.

  In his weakness, he had asked Sylira to find him information. She had instantly realized his problem and, to this day, never let him forget that fact.

  To her credit, she had tried. But, as every god's ascension through godhood was unique she had been unable to find a way to help him. The walls of godhood felt impossible to pass. Even to the gods that had appeared from whim or belief and had not ascended from mortality.

  Melodian sighed and then gave Sylira a meaningful look. "Is that all you have? Is that all you came to tell me?"

  Sylira nodded. "That's it. It's a shame, really. I think you would have enjoyed watching the events unfold live." She harrumphed. "What can you do? I’m sure the martial god would be overjoyed to feel your presence watching through the eyes of one you blessed.”

  She gave a withering look. “A shame that could go down in history.” She laughed, “oh don’t give me that look, dear Melodian. That is just the consequence of stepping in view of Varrax.”

  “I wonder how he discovered I was even in view.” Melodian said, his voice ice.

  Sylira tapped her lips, her mouth spreading into an unnaturally large tooth filled smile.

  “Fassscinating. Don’t you think so?” And with that, she disappeared, evaporating into a crack in the void. Her bandages trailed behind by a step, squirming in feverish attempts to absorb one last ounce of information before their departure.

  Melodian turned away, releasing a soul deep sigh. So many had come to see him today. Hopefully that would be the last.

  The rhythm of the divine space harmonized with the sound of something thunking to the floor.

  Melodian grinned. Sylira was truly terrifying. Melodian had barely left a crack in his performance. It was such an obscure method, no one would know it. Something he had invented himself.

  And yet, she had figured it out. The information hidden in his faltering movements.

  Truly terrifying.

  He turned back to where the goddess had left from. A construct made of cloth, of bandage and whispers lay on the ground.

  Melodian scooped it up but then nearly dropped it.

  Small little tentacle bandages stretched out and caressed his hands.

  “Damnit Sy.” Melodian cursed. “Your viewing construct is disgusting.”

  —— ? ——

  — AUTHOR NOTICE —

  Here's my note from past Bard: "Everything else done with god character. Remember to think and come up with his name before halfway through the book."

  ...

  Past Bard is an asshole.

  Thanks for reading!

  ~TheBusyBard

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