The Passage of the Gods (Bailey)

[Allen Hollows]

Allen set the books down next to his open laptop and tablet. He was in the library and research center, and had as many volumes on the Gods as he could find. Basically living with one for several weeks, he was enthralled with their environment, their lifestyle and their titles. Eos, Goddess of the Dawn. Was she immortal? What's their territory like? On the tablet, there was a picture of her along with informational read outs.

On the laptop, there was a tree- something centered around territory 4's people and the Gods they worshipped. The Tree of Yggdrasil. or at least a root of it that sprouted up from our world. The real tree supposedly connected nine realms, according to the mythos. The current book he opened was about the coat "Babre Bayan", worn by Rostam in iranian mythology. He didn't know which gods were in that place so...

Best to learn about them all, right?

"Eos, Goddess of the Dawn. Daughter of Hyperion and Theia. Married to Einrik, dubbed "Astraeus", God of the dusk. Hm..."

Supposedly, she had wings and rosy fingers, and was considered a consort of Ares. But in truth, these didn't do her justice. Allen had seen her pale skin, her deep auburn hair. She wore armor and fought with an unyeilding rage. Allen turned the page, shaking his head. Would these books even do him any good if they couldn't get those details right? He supposed the stories might not match the reality exactly, but he didn't know they'd be so far off. He looked up at the map of the continental territories and frowned.

Perhaps...he should find a way to approach Eos about getting help to travel there?

[Bailey Oleander]

The library was quickly becoming another home away from home, though much more desired than the plain white walls of the infirmary. The smell and presence of books, the paper pages full of secrets and sweet promises of possibility, was far more welcoming, even comforting to the little blonde as she slipped into the research area. It was peaceful, familiar. Intriguing.

Her interest took her away from the occupied tables towards the area beyond, a hoard of knowledge at her fingertips, but in truth, she wasn't sure what she was to look for. There was little time before leaving left, and from what Commander Sudeki had said, her interests would be leading her to areas beyond the borders of 259, one way or another.

Perhaps that should be her focus for now, rather than things that would require thinking and overthinking too many possibilities.

It was then that she noticed a familiar figure, though only just so. His name escaped her as she was looking at the back of his head, but as she approached, Bailey was able to recognize the form of the young man who had been at the group fight and ready to rally when the scorpions emerged from under Cabal's grounds. He'd used stone to shield them, as well as keep her and Preston safely out of the way of Eric's assault. In turn, she had also watched his back in the last attack. It was such a small world sometimes.

"Hello there." She offered a friendly smile as she approached the table full of books. "It's been a while. How are you feeling?"

[Allen Hollows]

Allen glanced up as the girl approached.

Woah. Purdy lady.

He blinked and gave a small smile, offering a wave in turn.

"Ah, hi. I'm alright, thanks. I didn't go down due to injury. I've been training a lot recently and gained some new abilities that I guess....shut me down? Not uncommon but kinda sucks when it happens in the middle of a battle." He'd look over her shoulder, wondering if she was there with anyone. Clearly not. He knew she was a member of the strategic deployment group. Or at least, she was. Perhaps she was doing research of her own before a mission. She'd note his desk was covered with images, references and books about the Gods and their histories.

"You here for mission research, I take it?"

After all, she'd been on several. He'd yet been given his own. Such was the way of things.

[Bailey Oleander]

Well that was a relief, at least. It seemed to her as though he'd frozen in battle, which seemed odd considering, but the explanation he provided also made sense. Intense training or expending too much energy were both legitimate reasons to wear yourself down.

"Well I'm glad that it wasn't due to an injury," her lips lifted a little in relief at his words. "Though, I hope you find a way to handle the change. It sounds like it can be a bit surprising." Whatever it was that he did, or with whom. She glanced over her shoulder when he did, expecting someone he recognized to be behind her since it drew his attention, but there was nothing but empty air behind her. Perhaps he was still fatigued?

"Something like that." She returned her attention to Allen with his question. Mission, yes, but also personal. Possibly because she'd discovered either conviction or the start of her own stubborn streak.

"What about you?" She nodded at the mounds of papers and information on the screen before him. "Preparing for one of your own?"

[Allen Hollows]

"I wish."

He looked around at the collective mountain of paperwork.

"I recently started training with a God. So I was wanting to know more about them. Soon enough, I'll be heading to their territory whether I'm given a mission or not. I have some...questions I need to ask them there."

He sighed.

"Not having a whole lot of luck though, finding what i need."

[Bailey Oleander]

Bailey's brows rose so high and so quickly that they disappeared beneath her bangs.

"You've been training with a god?" That was impressive, to say the least. It also explained why he might be so drained. Regardless of the mantle, she understood those that took the names did not do so lightly or easily. And yet here he was, training under one of them. It spoke a lot of his own strength. "I understand they are allies here, but they don't mind that you are here training, as well?" Her brows knit together the more she thought of it, fingers lacing together behind her back as she took in the extent of what he was using to find the hidden answer.

"If one of them has agreed to train you themselves, woudln't it be prudent to ask them about it? Or is that why you are here?"

[Allen Hollows]

He blushed, then added quickly-

"They probably only agreed because I was taken in by David Blaze. Probably the same reason I'm even here at this school." He chuckled a little before retaking his seat.

"From what I can tell, Gods are sort of a blend of the modern and the old. Just walking up and saying 'Hey any way you can get me into god territory' just wouldn't work out. At least, I don't think it would. There has to be reason, management, requirements. If I just left for the territory, I could probably get in, but what reason would anyone important have to meet with me."

He'd sniff.

"Oh, uh, I'm Allen by the way."

He'd offer his hand.

[Bailey Oleander]

"I don't know, I'm sure there's more than that." She gave him a reassuring smile with a small nod. "I mean, you may have been taken in by the Commander, but there has to be some merit of your own, right? Otherwise, they could pick from anyone he chose." He wasn't giving himself enough credit, surely, though the explanation drew her attention away from his blushing and to the same thoughts she had on entering the area.

"True. I'm sure they have their own politics and the like, gods that get along or rival each other, nevermind what gods of the same influence may think." She chuckled softly. "Just like real people, I suppose." She tilted her head to the side with a soft hum as she mulled over his dilemma - theirs, really. Though she intended to go there herself when able, it was still a trick and a half to know what lines to walk, any customs to observe, who to avoid if someone else approved your entry.

"I suppose you could ask some of the ones that are on campus? I believe there are people from that territory." It really was just like real life.

"It's nice to meet you, Allen." She extended her hand, the glove showing on her dominant hand as she extended it to him to shake his hand on her own. Though her demeanor was soft, there was a steadiness to her grip that suggested there was more than spun sugar to her. "I'm Bailey."

[Allen Hollows]

He nodded.

"Nice to meet you too."

He'd clear his throat and gesture at a seat.

"You're welcome to stick around and look with me, if that's something you want or need for your mission."

He was trying to glean information. Was she going to God territory too? Because if she was and accepted his offer.....he'd find a way to climb aboard.

[Bailey Oleander]

"Thank you, that's very kind." She let her hand drop with the same smile, nodding at the offer but not taking the seat he gestured to. Instead, her gaze roamed over all the materials on display. "Are you sure I wouldn't be disturbing your own research if I did?"

Truth was, she had no idea what exactly she would need to prepare for, or when. As it was, the table Allen was sitting at was practically a mini alter of information on quite a few pantheons, not excluding the Greek and Norse powers. Some she recognized, some she did not. The one on Eos, for one, was about a beautiful young woman, supposedly the consort of Ares. That was certainly something. Regardless of whether or not it was true, she hadn't been mentioned in the little chat she'd had, so she saw no reason to look into the possible connection yet.

"I'm not sure where it will take me, to be honest. I can prepare, but there's only so much I can do until things actually happen." God territory was definitely on the list, but she didn't exactly go around telling people she intended to do so, or that she apparently could talk to a couple of them on a first-name basis. Or that one had no problems flirting with her.

"You seem to have a lot of options for yourself here. Are you looking for anyone in particular, or just hopefuls?"

[Allen Hollows]

"Mm. Odin."

He looked over the stacks, then grabbed a book and set it in front of her.

"According to myth, he's got two ravens that fly all over the world to bring him information. I'm hoping he'll know what happened to my siblings. Or at least...where there bodies are."

He looked back to her, curious.

"Is God territory part of your mission, by happenstance? I'd love to come along if it is."

[Bailey Oleander]

Interesting. Bailey nodded looking over the book he plopped down in front of them. She did lean forward a little from where she stood, looking over the book but quite seeing it as her thoughts took over, instead.

"I suppose that could work." She'd nod. "I guess it depends on if he'd want something in return, though." Somehow, the Nordic god didn't seem the kind to just do something out of the kindness of his heart. Or maybe that was her own suspicions of the world taking over. At the mention of her going into God territory again. She shook her head, wisps of hair dancing in front of her face with the motion as she straightened. He seemed quite certain of his destination, but not how to handle what barricaded the way.

"I don't know where it will take me. It could take me away from this place entirely, or down the street. There's too much that I don't know right now. That's why I am here. I'll keep that in mind, though." The smile turned encouraging. "I'd be interested to hear what you find." She couldn't ignore the comment about his family, however, eyes softening at the mention of bodies.

"I'm sorry for your loss. If you don't mind me asking, what happened?"

[Allen Hollows]

Allen furrowed his brow.

"I don't really remember. I come from territory 90, originally. There was an earthquake or something there, and my house collapsed into rubble. They were able to save me, but not my sister and brother. Or my parents."

He'd lean against the wall nearby.

"The war trains took me back with them, and David adopted me into his family. Or at least offered to care for me."

[Bailey Oleander]

She took a seat, hands folded neatly in her lap, as Allen began explaining the gap in his memory and the potential fate that may have befallen his family - or anyone, really. He seemed to be an exception of sorts, like many of those she'd met here. It was something to take note of, for sure. Her eyes remained on him as he spoke, leaning forward to rest a hand on the table beside her.

"Well, are there any records on the area? Do they believe it was an earthquake, or did they find signs of there being something else at fault?" A slight tilt of her head followed his statement about Commander Blaze. That actually worried her enough for her brows to furrow, the smile fading into a frown.

"That's quite a difference in how to look at things. Do you not believe he adopted you as part of his family?"

[Allen Hollows]

Allen shrugged.

"I looked into it, and there was a large quake. But there were so many people already displaced by the war the records aren't perfect."

His brow furrowed as he looked away.

"Our commander isn't....David is a good person. He's always been kind enough, to me. But there are some things I was kept at a distance for, and he never treated me like I was family. Just a guest. I asked him about it once, and he said that he feels i rest somewhere between the two, but I didn't really understand what that meant. I still don't."