The room had five walls. Centered on each wall was an archway, a simple brick and mortar structure, just barely allowing an adult to walk comfortably through. Each archway was filled with an opaque liquid, swirling in place. The surrounding walls were made of dark wood, untreated and uneven. Thin log beams of the same material framed and separated each wall, including above, where the ceiling slanted inward in triangular panels. Five crude sigils were painted, one per panel, on each of the slanting ceiling pieces. In the middle, where the five panels met, hung a bronze chandelier. Five lights illuminating the room below. Raised out of the stone floor, made of the same dark slate, rested a five sided stone table. Surrounding the table were five beings. 

“So we are in agreement then?” Their voice was high pitched and commandeering. While it had been phrased as a question, they didn’t leave any doubt that it had been a rhetorical one. “We’ve each gotten ahold of a soul. If anyone”, they pointedly looked at one of the other figures who had their face buried in their hands, “wants out, now is their last chance.”

A second being spoke, this one in a deep, guttural voice that bordered on a growl. “No one is out. Not you.” they pointed at the being with their head in their hands, “Not them. Not me. None of us. “They slammed a muscular and tanned fist on the table. When they retracted their hand, a shining mote of light was left behind. ”Here is mine. Present yours.”

The next being around the table reached out four slender arms over the table. Clasping their hands together, they let a shining light drip out from the cage of their fingers. “...” An understanding of declaration was projected unto the others. “...” Understanding that this liquid was a type of soul was projected unto the others. As the soul settled on the table they then withdrew their arms.

The fourth in the order, a shorter figure, barely able to see over the table, began to rummage through their large pack they had brought with them. “One moment!” They squeaked out in an excited voice. “I know I placed it in here somewhere! I wouldn’t have displaced it. I don’t think. But of course! I do think! Thus I displaced it! Hence, it isn’t in the bag! “They tossed the bag aside and instead rummaged through their many pockets. Quickly finding and withdrawing a small cube, likewise shining. “Here it is! A soul! A most exciting soul!” They tossed the soul onto the table, where it landed next to the other two.

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Everyone stared intently at the next being, who was still cradling their face in their myriad palms. A voice that was little more than a whimper escaped between the hands. “Are we certain this is the best way?”

“Of course you’re doubting! I can’t believe we even invited you.” The first being exclaimed. Groaning in annoyance.

“Well!” The fourth being interjected with their squeaky voice. “It has to be five of us! Five souls, from five worlds, from five gods! Without that many, this could never work! Truly! I don’t even know if this has been done before! New ground is being made! Trodden. Explored? Anyway. We need them and their soul, or this won’t work. I want it to work!”

“...” The third one interjected.

“Yes,” said the fifth from behind their hands, “I brought a soul.” A multicolored ribbon of light flew out from behind their hands and began to circle around the other souls. “I’m uncertain what it was before it died. But it ought to work. It’s very… Cheerful.”

“Great. Splendid. Cheerful.” The first spoke tonelessly. “At least I took the time to get a decent soul.” Out of their violet hair, a spider made of a similarly violet light made their way down their locks. It crawled across their shoulder, around their outstretched arm, and paused briefly when it reached their slender fingers. It angled its body expectantly, its two front legs indicating where it wished to go. As the hand was lowered to the table, it crawled off and joined the other souls.

“There.” They grinned with satisfaction. “That’s five souls, from five worlds, from five gods. Let’s get on with it”