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In total Eshu brought in two hundred and fifty-six wandering souls. Of which there were a wide variety of people. Of which only a handful of individuals and species did Gage recognize from the settlement. There were many more that he did not recognize at all. They came in all ages too. Most of them seemed to be about ‘teens’ to ‘late-middle age’, as far as he could tell, though among them there were clearly the ‘young ones’ of their race and others of ‘great age’.
As Eshu brought them in, Hye-jun would help guide them to Asura Salikat. As each one in turn was seated before him, Gage’kin was surprised to see each one seemed to already know they had passed. There was some confusion, especially among the elders, as to why they were here instead of being greeted by those of their own faiths… he was unsure of what Asura Salikat said to them, but they no longer argued the point.
Gage’kin stood back and watched. “It’s a little overwhelming, Ma’tuk. Look at all these people. Over time there is going to be even more. What are they going to do here? This place is a giant jungle valley oasis.”
“Ah, well my Lord,” Ma’tuk, who was once again a necklace about Gage’kin’s neck, “What ever they want. You studied a variety of religions before. It is what you studied in the Universe. You know there are many different afterlifes. How would you say you’ve built yours so far?”
With a sigh, “I have built something a little like a paradise, I suppose. Where you don’t really have to worry or want. I didn’t build anything in like the Egyptians where people exist here as the perfect form of themselves, but more as they were when they passed. Though they shouldn’t be sick or in pain. That is all gone, any physical aliments should be as well. I have received plenty of offerings, so I can provide them with food and drink. As more offerings come in, there will be more and more available. They should be able to do anything they wish here. Though I suppose something like homes would be a good idea.”
“Excuse us, Kin?” Hye-jun’s voice startled him and he turned about to face her. Standing with her were three other individuals.
The first was a woman, a human woman as far as Gage’kin could tell. Her face was soft and gentle, with delicate features. She had large, expressive hazel eyes. Her hair was styled elegantly, pulled back in a way that highlighted her face and neck. The color of her hair, soft gray, gentle curls.
She was dressed in a flowing, floor-length white gown made from a light, airy fabric that draped beautifully. The gown was high waisted, cinched with a blue sash that was tied elegantly at her side. The top of the gown was asymmetrical, with a single shoulder strap and a slight draped over the chest. She wore only a few pieces of jewelry. A pair of golden hoops with a matching gold necklace. On one arm she wore a set of gold bracelets. She stood with a straight back, poised with confidence and grace.
The next was a male of a race with which Gage’kin was not familiar with. His face was somewhat humanoid, but the large eyes were larger than a human’s while his nose was small, deer-like. He also had four long, thick feather-like tendrils growing from his head that Gage’kin had thought were antlers at first. His hair was long, thick and bushy. A single band of leather tied it back, giving it an even bushier look as it splayed out. The skin of his torso gave way to thick fur on his shoulders and forearms. Both hair and fur were a mix of earthy browns and shades of orange. His lower body was very similar to those of a satyr or faun, thick and powerful, ending in a pair of hooves.
Their upper body is muscular and well-defined, showcasing strength and agility. The skin on the upper body appears human-like but transitions into fur on the shoulders and arms. The fur is a mix of earthy browns and oranges, resembling a mane that frames their face and runs down their back. Around his waist was a cloth skirt of dark blue, woven with intricate designs of golden strands around the edges. He stood confidently, though his face was creased with curiosity.
The third and final person with Hye-jun was a feline person. Their face looked like a cat’s though slightly more elongated. Sharp, angular eyes, a small, black nose, and the fur on their face was a mix of black and white. From the nose the black fur ran up and spread out over the eyes. It covered the top of their head and the back of their large, triangular ears. Gage’kin could not tell for sure if they were a male or female of their species.
Their body was lean and athletic, covered with thick and fluffy white fur. A tan, orange shade tapered at their throat and disappeared under their clothes, clearly covering the front of their torso. The same-colored fur showed on the back of their forearms. Their cat-like legs, their ‘shins’ down, were the same black fur from the top of their head. As was the tip of their tail, though the tail itself was very un-cat-like. Instead, it was long and thick, reminding Gage’kin of a dragon’s, though covered with the same thick fur. Every inch of their fur was groomed and well maintained.
Their clothing was a casual, rustic sort of look. Suspenders and dark, loose trousers that were tied with a rust-red sash. The shirt was white with the sleeves rolled up. Their expression was calm and composed, set with focus.
“How may I help you,” Gage’kin grinned as he remembered what Asura Salikat had called her. “First Spirit Hye-jun?” He watched as, with the others behind her, she squinted at him and pressed her lips into a dangerous line. The cat-thing’s eyes narrowed as it stared at his mouth and Gage’kin remembered what he had done with his teeth. He closed his mouth and swished it around a bit as he ‘reset’ them to what he was used to.
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“Lord Kin,” Hye-jun jabbed back at him and he slouched slightly. “Asura Salikat asked me to introduce you to these three. He stated that while they had not followed you in life, they each lead exemplary lives. The Asura of Judgment went on to say that he believes they may be of assistance with Haven.”
“The reward for good work is more work, eh?”
As Gage’kin spoke, the woman’s eyes sparked, and she smiled. “E; I have heard this before. You are familiar with Terra, yes?”
Gage’kin blinked at her for a moment before responding. “I am, actually.”
“I am Maria Oikonomou, of Thessaloniki. Greece.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you Maria, I am Kin.”
Maria crossed an arm at her waist and gave a bow. “It is an honor, Lord Kin.” She straightened. “I believe I understand your concern, my Lord, but I volunteered to help. I may have died, but I do not see what I do as work. It is enjoyable. Though of course I cannot speak for our companions here.” She gestured to the other two standing with her.
The satyr looking man stepped up. “Taya atin Sinesa.” He pinched the fingertips of each hand together. He bowed his head and as he did so, touched both to his forehead and as he raised his head brought his hands forward and opened them, like he was releasing something. “I am joyed to meet you, God-Kin, and to help cultivate the Haven.”
“Petros Bartóth.” The feline-dragon’s voice was deep, far more than his physique would have indicated, and strangely Eastern European. “I do not like to be idle, more importantly, I want family to be here. Can you make happen?”
He weighed his words carefully before responding to Petros. “If they are Wandering, as you were yourself, I will send out the Soul Seeker to find them. If they still live, it will be more complicated.”
“I do not require whole family, just wife, Evalona, and little ones, Zubet and Mirenc.”
Kin gave a slight bow of his head. “I will endeavor to reunite them with you, Petros.”
Petros’s eyes were unblinking as he watched Kin, before nodding. “Then Petros will serve.”
“Thank you, each of you. Thank you. This is quite sudden, and the day has been… long. Though I do not wish to put this off for the sake of those already here and those yet to come. Asura Salikat has Judged you worthy, and I trust his judgement. Though I admit I am uncertain of what tasks to bid of you. Tell me a bit about yourselves, please, and we will see if we can find something that fits.”
Maria spoke up, “I served at the Temple of Olympus in Thessaloniki. I was the treasurer. I was quite active with our events as well.” She shrugged, “I would say I lived a… modest life.”
“You served at a temple to the Gods of Olympus? Are you sure you wish to take on a role here?” Kin’s eyes opened in surprise, giving here another look over.
She smiled, a little sadly. “Yes. Asura Salikat explained things to me and gave me time to process. He said I could keep my faith, though perhaps not to expect anything.”
Kin gave her a deeper bow, though no more than she had given. As he straightened, “I offer this to you, and to any actually, if you wish to do so, make a shrine or tribute to the gods of old. They may be gone, but that does not mean they should be forgotten. Without them, we would not be here.” His face brightened, “Ah, then perhaps that may be your task, if you are willing. Either by your own hand or any minions you may wish to employ, I’m thinking a lower caste of Asura known as… Apsaras. They are something of assistants to the Asura.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Kin could see Hye-jun holding back her amusement as she watched him fly be the seat of his pants. “This would put you in charge of the Temple of the Old Gods here in Haven, the Offerings to Kin, what is to be kept for me and what is to be distributed to Haven, as well as the Histories of Kin and the Gods of Old. It will be a lot, but I will make sure you have the staff for it.”
Awe was written all over Maria’s face. Instead of fumbling for words, she merely clicked her mouth shut and gave another bow. Kin turned to the satyr, “And you Taya atin Sinesa?”
“I was a… wild child as my familial would call me. I lived by the way of nature as best I could. I forsook the morals of good and evil, and followed my instincts.” He shrugged before grinning. “My familial wanted me to be a Law Binder.”
Kin returned the good-natured grin, “I would imagine you may be best suited to minding the flora and fauna of Haven. Cultivating the Valley as a giant garden… terrarium? I leave it to you. I would really like to see a great diversity of life here. Again, what ever staff you need, I will have ready for you.”
“Thank you, Lord Kin.” A light flashed in Taya’s eyes. “I look forward to the task.”
Finally, Kin turned to Petros. “Petros?”
For the first time, the feline-dragon looked thoughtful. “I was simple farmer, though I often gave advice to those who sought it. To Evalona’s dismay, it was often. She would go to bed with a kettle on the coals for the inevitable visit in the night.”
“Excellent. Then I put the souls that come here in your care. Resolve disputes, help new people settle in, and make this a Haven a place they would want to spend eternity in. This also gives you another, harder task.” Kin fixed his gaze with Petros. “If they should decide to do so, for it will be their choice, to end their eternity. It will be your task to help them fade away. They will cease to exist, but their essence will rejoin the cycle of the world. This is not reincarnation, and it will not be easy. Can you do that Petros?”
Solemnly, Petros nodded. “I accept these tasks.”
Kin looked to each of them. “Thank you all. For now, go and start your tasks to the best of your abilities. Try and gauge what sort of help you will need and familiarize yourselves with your duties. When I return, we will hold a ceremony that will raise each of you to your position of Asura. We will assign you Apsaras to assist you. Then I will introduce you to the Devakim and Naga who already have tasks here.” They each bowed and turned to go, “Oh! And one more thing. Kin is just fine. Maybe in formal settings Lord could, potentially, be appropriate, but Kin is fine.” They each gave another bow and smiled before they departed.”
Kin and Hye-jun watched them go. With a sigh of exhaustion, “I don’t mean to put you to work Hye-jun. Could you do me a favor though?”
“I suppose I could assist them, for now.” She put a hand on his shoulder, “You should go get some rest.”
“Oh, I intend to. But I was going to ask that when I next return, that you remind me that I need to redesignate the Asura that already exist, excluding Salikat, to an appropriate caste of ‘angle-hood’? I just threw so much off the top of my head, but I think it makes sense.”
“Of course.” She gave a squeeze and dropped her hand. “What are Devakim and Naga?”
“Devakim are to be the messengers as well as the ‘general’ type of asura. Those who do the common tasks, usually under orders from the apsaras. Nagas are the ‘warrior’ caste, though protector may be more accurate. If something needs protecting, it is their job. Though any sort of fighting will be under their domain.”
Hye-jun nodded along. “You are doing a fine job, I really must admit.”
“Thank you Daja, it means a lot.” Gage’kin started to slip away, leaving Haven to return to his bed in the healer’s hut. Before he vanished from sight, “Oh and thank you for volunteering to assist the newbies! I am sure they will appreciate it.” His form barely slipped away before a sandal flew through the air where his head had been.