The otter god and a girls dagger

Roel slid his sword into its sheath, "unless you need something then we should get going." He wanted to get moving as soon as possible. He knew it wasn't his fault she got taken, it was the otters, but he had failed to protect her. Marduke came to mind and Roel felt a surge of anger, he better not lay a finger on her.

"We should find some horses. Maybe we can buy one on the way there." shaheen said, he didn't like the idea of the human girl being with Marduke for so long. He didn't know how that god would treat a human prisoner.

---

Marduke chuckled and shook his head, she had been the one to start it after all. "You are free to ignore me then. All I need is that statue for the pigeon to come." He leaned down so their faces were close, "You are an unnecessary attachment."

Arianna nodded quickly and looked off thinking about where they could find a horse. "I think..Maybe, a little ways along the path there should be a farm." She shrugged and look up at the two, "Maybe they could lend us a horse or sell one?"

June pulled back slightly from the closeness of the god's face. Her eyes narrowed slightly "What do you want with Shaheen anyways?"

Roel thought having a horse would be a great idea but he didn't have the money for one, "are you buying then?" He asked shaheen who turned to him with a look that clearly said otters didn't have money. "We'll. I guess walking sound fun too."

---

"Hmm." The god pulled away and continued walking, "that's a good question I suppose." Suddenly the clouds disappeared from beneath them and they landed in front of a tall temple. "We're home!" He exclaimed, decided not to answer her.

Arianna pulled herself up over the last rock of the cliff. After confirming she was on stable ground she promptly fell to her knees with exhaustion. "I honestly don't think I can walk anymore." She turned slightly and rubbed her poor legs. "This is it right?" She panted looking to Shaheen. "No more climbing right?" While they had made good time the two men she traveled with really left no time for recuperation.

June was thankful to be back on solid ground. She looked around the grand scape of the mountain top. Her eyes traveled over the ornate temple and she frowned and took a chance to look down the mountain. Quickly realizing how high up they actually were she backed up and ran to catch up with her captor. "This is your temple...?"

Shaheen looked to the old temple that seemed to stand abandoned. "Yes. This is it."

---

Roel also studied the place and frown, "What a creepy place. Is anyone even here?"

---

Marduke slouched on his marble throne and swirled little rain clouds in the air. He was growing tired of waiting for the little god to show up, it had already been two days and he wasn't a patient man. Waving the clouds away into smoke he stood and walked down the short steps lazily. He had kept June mostly locked in a room but today he had brought her into the hall with him. If the humans didn't show today to collect he would have to go and give them a reason to hurry.

Arianna looked up at the two and frowned "Is this really a good idea? Fighting him on his own turf?"

June watched him with a frown. He was not a good host, not like she was really expecting him to be. She was tired and hungry and thirsty and cold and she was trying very hard to fight the idea that maybe they weren't coming for her. Her brow furrowed as she considered the outcome if they weren't to come. The idea made her stomach turn. Marduke had already shown how short his temper was and June really didn't want to be stuck alone with him if he decided to throw another tantrum. She leaned back against the pillar that was her support, her dagger in her lap. She fiddled with it nervously, running her fingers over the crystal details of it. What if Shaheen didn't want anything to do with her after this? She had lied to the god that she had so faithfully worshiped since she was a child. Her stomach turned again. She brought her knees to her chest, crossed her arms over them and hung her head.

"Do we really have a choice." Roel sighed, he knew if it came down to a fight to get the girl back then they would lose, no doubt about it. "Hopefully we can bargan with him."

---

Shaheen doubted the god would be up for a trade, but they were going to have to do something. He also sighed. "It's to bad we done have on of the earths kids to help us out."

---

Marduke had paced the room a bit then noticed the girl. He walked over and knelt down in from of her, studying her closely. "Do you think he will come save you? Your warrior friend. It would be pointless though if he did." He cocked his head a little, "They must think its not worth the trouble.

Arianna nodded at their conversation, not really paying attention to what they were saying. "Well, it's definitely too late to turn back now."

June lifted her head and narrowed her eyes at the blond man. She didn't want to end up saying anything she would regret but she had received nothing but taunts during her stay. "Just shut the hell up already" She snapped back at him

"You really didn't have to come. This could be really dangerous." Roel looked at the girl worried.

---

Marduke reached out and grabbed her jaw, just tight enough so she couldn't pull back, "You should really watch that mouth of your." He let go of her then stood, pulling her up with him by the arm and began to drag her with him out of the room.

Arianna sighed and smiled softly at him "I'll stay here. You two go." She pointed down to another ledge that was a little bit further down but just as sturdy as the one they were on now. "I'll wait there. Just promise me you'll be careful." She moved to the ledge again but stopped and moved back to Roel and kissed him on the cheek. "Good luck"

June flinched slightly but kept her eyes locked on the man, not letting her glare falter. She frowned as he pulled her to her feet. She pulled back against him as hard as she could. "Let go of me!" She used her free hand to grab his wrist and dug her nails in an attempt to get him off of her.

"Ah..thanks," Roel stood there awkwardly for a moment then turned to the temple, "right. Lets go ferret."

---

Shaheen jumped onto his shoulder. "I don't think it's an appropriate time to be name calling."

---

Marduke jerked her forward, starting to get annoyed once again with the girl. "Be quiet." He had felt something. They must have been here. He whistled for his wolf who appeared around the corner, "why don't you go greet our guest."

June stumbled forward slightly but quickly regained her balance. She looked back to the temple entrance. Were they really here? She tugged harder against marduke harder wanting nothing more but to be reunited with her friends "Let me go!"

Marduke didn't even seem to notice the girls struggle as he kept his grip firm on her upper arm. Dragging her along until he got to the entrance and pulled her through it. he noticed lightning running ahead towards the distant figure walking towards them.

---

Roel gripped his sword as he saw the wolf coming towards them, but before he could draw it he felt a gust of wind sweep past them and blasted against the dog. The canine gripped his feet into the ground to with stand the powerful wind. Insulted at being halted by the attack the wolf let out a low rumble that was imitated by thunder in the skies.

June kept pace with the man. She noticed Roel in the distance and she did her best to hide the immediate change in her resolve. The pressure on her arm brought her back, the situation was no where near being handled. She didn't trust what Marduke might have up his sleeve by dragging her along.

Marduke released the girl and gave her a look that clearly said 'stay put or I will make you'. The attack sent at his pet calmed by the time the winds hit them, only having the power to rustle the blondes haired. He scoffed to himself when he felt what seemed to just be a cool breeze. Truly this wasn't the only power left to the mighty wind god.

---

"Do not fear the wolf." Shaheen calmly said to Roel, "He is merely an image of Marduke. The only powers he truly holds is that of a common wolf."

Roel felt better about facing the wolf after being told that. He pulled his sword out and faced the god and his pet bravely, "Call off you dog!"

Gossip always traveled quickly between the gods, and Marina loved gossip. Although the latest tale she had heard had left her with a bad taste in her mouth. One of the storm god's children was causing trouble again, although she wasn't too fond of the main opposing party member she didn't want him to be defeated by such a petty child. She decided she would observe from a distance so she took her spot gracefully perched on one of the temple spires.

June reluctantly stayed where she was placed.

Marduke gestured to his wolf to step aside and allow the man forward.

Roel looked first to June as they got closer to the pair. "June. Are you okay?" He stopped a few feet away.

"let her go Marduke." Shaheen growled at the god/

"Hmm. Let me think about that one." It only took a second for him to conceder it, "no."

Marina rolled her eyes at the discussion. She could clearly tell that this encounter wasn't very well thought out and Marduke was just being a little shit. She waved her hand and with the gesture storm clouds began to roll in.

June nodded and began to take a step towards Roel "I'm okay!" she replied, if she wasn't worried about the negative outcomes she'd rush over to them.

Marduke jerked his head up to the skies feeling the could move even though he had not summoned them. "What is this Shaheen?" The gods brows drew together as he roughly grabbed the girl agian and turned to the pair. He did not like people messing with his storms, thunder ranged in the background from the gods anger.

Shaheen had noticed the change even before the thunder god had moved. Someone else was here. "Give the girl over Marduke!" If the god thought he was controlling the clouds then he would use that to his favor.

Roel had to control himself from swiping at the god when he had grabbed June. He didn't know or care what the other two were going on about.

June stumbled into him as he jerked her forward, she could already imagine the bruises she would have the following morning. If they got out of this that is.

Marina leaned forward slightly, she could see that the Marduke was getting upset about messing with his precious little storms. She covered her mouth and giggled softly before appearing beside the group but still keeping her distance. "You're absolutely hopeless, Marduke. Stupid too." She crossed her arms under her chest and took a quick glance at Shaheen. It had been years since they had last seen each other and she was sure that he hadn't forgiven her for the binding spell she had forced on him. Even though there was a lesson that needed to be taught. Although she hadn't forgiven him, there was still a tinge of pain in her heart at the sight of him.

Marduke instantly let go of the girl as his eyes turned onto the woman who had just appeared. Mixed feelings swirled in him upon seeing who it was. He was grateful to always be in the presence of the only woman he would ever chose to be with but he knew that the only reason she was here was because of Shaheen. His muscles tightened with jealous rage as he resisted the urge to summon his sword. Why did she always have to chose him. He would never let himself be tricked into loosing his powers, he was not such a weak soft hearted fool like him!

Marduke was battling with himself, trying to restrain his hatred as thunder suddenly hit down all around them, one barely missing June by a couple meters. It was all the god could do not to fry the rat and the humans where they stood. But he did not want Marina to see him so uncontrolled, so unrestrained, so wild. It took a moment till he felt he had control of himself, finally daring to look at the detestable animal. He felt all the control fall from his hands when he saw the look Shaheen was giving Marina. He had thought the god would show hatred towards the woman who had trapped him into that body but all his gaze held was pain and a hidden yearning.

Marduke knew he had lost it. The composure he thought he possessed. He felt his grip tighten on his sword hilt, though he didn’t remember summoning it. His body rushing towards the red headed swordsman even though he hadn’t told it too.

Thunder rushed through the air and hit the jagged sword as it came down upon Roel. Blinding the human who only had a few seconds to hold his own sword up for protecting. Roel knew it wouldnt help. He could feel the power behind the strike that was about to hit him. No human could stand against that even with a sword that could cut a god. He closed his eyes against the blinding light and held firm in his stance.

Their sword hit with a piercing sound that vibrated through the air but the shock never came. Roel opened his eyes to see Shaheen on his arm, the otter was concentrating hard on holding a thin layer of wind between them and the lightning that continued to surge down. The wind barrier look weak and the thunder only pressed down harder, as if angry that it was stopped before finding it’s target.

“Do you really believe you can block me as you are!” Marduke thundered, “You are weak wind god! You can’t stop my thunder!” As he said it more thunder shot down, joining into each other and shattered Shaheen’s wind. Sending them both flying backwards.

Shaheen threw himself into the attack, protecting Roel from getting hit.

June yelped as the thunder crashed around her. Although the bolt hadn't hit her it startled her enough to send her back on her bottom. The girl scrambled to her feet quickly and stepped back into the safety of the temple. She turned to glare at the goddess who had decided to show up. Without her things may not have escalated so quickly. Without her meddling their banter would have gotten tired and old and they could have left without much of a fight. With just her presence the mood had shifted entirely. The air that was humid and thick began to cool as the sky opened up to allow more rain. The chilled wind swirled about the group, throwing the rain droplets every which way.

The flickering of Marduke's sword coming into his grasp caught June's attention. “No” she muttered, hoping things really hadn't come to this. She lurched forward as she saw him charge into the pair, she wanted to call out to them but the lump in her throat made it impossible. Could Roel even block such an attack? One fueled by such anger from a god? She felt dizzy at the thought. The girl braced herself for the impact of the swords clashing, but only heard the crackling and sizzling of the lightning striking. It didn't come. She stepped out of the cover and squinted barely able to see them through the flashes. She wrung her hands tightly against her chest, Shaheen had created a shield. Maybe, just maybe they'd have a more evenly matched fight like she hoped.

The bright light of the shield shattering was enough to tell June that her optimism was wrongly placed. Her body willed her closer. She wanted to run over to them, to check on them, something. No, she needed to make sure they were okay.

Marina hated being so obvious. She could feel the glare from the girl but chose to ignore such petty emotions from a human. She was here for one thing and that was Shaheen; The man who had betrayed her. She wasn't exactly sure what she had planned to accomplish by showing up, but it was too late to turn back now.

It was hard to stay mad after catching a glimpse of the expression the former god had given her. Maybe she had misinterpreted it. Either way it absolutely killed her. She wanted nothing more than to scoop him in her arms and comfort him the way that he once did her. To find a way to reverse the spell, to fall back into the same routine and to be with the man that she loved. Alas, these memories were now tainted, she couldn't recollect any memory without that tramp of a fire goddess coming along too. No, things were like this for a reason, but she'd be damned to see him defeated by a boy.

Her trembling hands clenched into a fist as she watched Marduke charge in for the first attack. The idea of self preservation quickly took over her thoughts. If the other gods had found out that she had let one of the elementals get killed the consequences would be dire, especially if Admon had caught wind. And she was almost certain he was already aware.

"Duke!" She shouted, hoping that her minor interference would cause him to falter just enough to keep the otter from getting the brunt of his second attack.

Marduke watched as the human was knocked backwards, falling hard onto his back and rolling a couple times. A dark satisfied smirk played on his lips as Shaheen fell limp onto the man’s legs. He knew the otter was still alive, he could feel his life energy simmer weakly around the animal. Pleasure pulsed through Marduke’s fingers with what he knew was about to come. He would kill the only obstacle that lay between him and his woman.

But as his sword was raised once more, thunder flashing in the back ready and excited to finish the creature off, he heard her voice. It rang out clear even over the noise of the storms that raged war with each other in the skies. She had said his name and his sword dropped. His mind cleared of his anger as he turned to the woman who stood there watching him. As she should. He thought. Her eyes should only ever be on him.

He turned and made his way over to her, forgetting about the pair that laid damaged but alive on the ground. She was the only thing of importance now. His feet stopped as he came to tower before her and his skin tingled with electricity as he soaked in her beauty. Her lips captured his grey eyes as he reached up to cup the side of her face, and he felt that his hand fit there perfectly.

“Marina.” He spoke softly, he wanted to believe that she was here for him. But he knew better. The ends of his mouth tugged down and his hand lowered, gripping her jaw. The thunder in the background stopped as he stared down at her.

Roel groaned as he moved to put his weight onto his right arm. He felt dizzy from the impacted against the ground and his body ached everywhere. Rolling forward he rested his other forearm against the ground and slowly, painfully began to stand. The small body of the otter went unnoticed as it slipped from the mans leg and slumped unmoving on the ground. Not until the man was fully onto his feet and searching for his sword that got knocked away from his did he notice him.

“No.” He thought he whispered as he fell to his knees. Ignoring the pain that coursed through his knees as they hit the ground. He bent down over Shaheen’s body, unsure if the animal was till breathing. How was he suppose to tell? “Shaheen!” His fist gripped the small body and shook it, “Why the hell did you get in the way.”

Marina closed her eyes as he gingerly placed his hand on her cheek. She turned her head slightly, nuzzling his palm. When his touch changed her gaze shot back up meeting his grey eyes. "Duke," she repeated the nickname again more lovingly than she had before and gently tugged away from his grip. "What are you planning?" She reached up and placed her hands on his chest. She slid her fingers under his collar and straightened his shirt that had gotten tousled just moments before. "I'm not very happy with you right now"

She slid one hand further up his chest and let her wrist rest on his shoulder. "Admon isn't either. And you know how bothersome it would be if he got involved in this little misunderstanding." She gently flicked her wrist a slight motion that would go unnoticed by Marduke but she hoped the human would notice. "Even if he is just a pathetic otter now, he's still valuable to us."

June watched the couple in disgust, some gods really had no shame. She watched as Marina's hands traveled over the man she was about to turn her head away when she saw Marina's hand point. She looked towards the direction then back to the goddess before carefully making her way across the courtyard to be reunited with the group.

Once June navigated around the barrier any relief of being united was swept away as she saw Roel shaking a limp Shaheen in his arms. Tears quickly filled her eyes and she ran over to the two, "Roel!" She fell to her knees beside them and placed a hand on Roel's forearm. "Is he?-" She was scared to finish her sentence, and even more afraid of having it answered.

Marduke had been enjoying her touches until she had brought up the wretched earth god. He grabbed her wrist in a flash, stopping them from moving and turned her hand off his chest. Really why did she have to ruin such a moment with her trecherous words. "Why is he so important? He could easily be replaced by Bulut." His father, who also had powers over the winds. Why could he just not take control over the skies. Marduke let go of her hand and turned his eyes away. "You are just soft when in comes to him." He bit out with disgust.

Roel looked at June, panic in his clear blue eyes. "I don't know. How do you tell?" He laid the small body down before her, hoping that she would know what to do.