Disclaimer: I do not own Warhammer or FoZ. Also, I probable don't know as much as I should about FoZ lore so if I bugger it up at any point feel free to give me an earful. Constructive criticism is always welcome.
A Pact with Ancient Gods
Chapter 3: Forging a Pact
"Step forward caller."
Everyone stared at Louise, waiting for her next move.
Very slowly Louise started to take cautious steps towards the portals. Just before she came within 10 meters of the gateways, the being on the rotting throne spoke in warm caring voice not unlike a loving grandfather.
"Hold there child, if you step to close to us, the raw magic of our forms will begin to change your body and mind." Stated the rotting giant, while holding up his palm.
Louise immediately halted taking the bloated being's advice, for in those bloodshot eyes she saw genuine concern for her wellbeing. And then willed up the courage to finally speak to these ancient and clearly powerful beings.
"Ancient being, may I ask how you refer to yourselves? So that I may address you properly" Requested Louise. After hearing the question, the beings peered into the world as a whole to find the best way to deliver information the correct way, for the people here had no experience with their nature. In what would be considered a blink of an eye the beings chose to refer to themselves as four of the oldest spirits still conscious (which was technically the truth). For in their brief observation, it seemed the people of this world deemed all gods which weren't their one god to be fake and crush any sign of heresy the moment it reared its head. The first to speak was the armoured giant upon his throne of skulls.
"We, young blood, are four of the oldest and most powerful spirits to have ever existed. I am Khorne, lord of blood, skull, and battle." This drew murmurs from the crowd about how spirits were the ones that empowered the elves natural magics. The next to speak was the blue ever-changing mass.
"I am Tzeentch, lord of change, knowledge and magic." Another set of murmurs about there being a lord of magic without anyone even knowing about it. Thirdly the rotting being in the green portal spoke.
"I am Nurgle, lord of death and rebirth, some even call me the aspect of nature for I represent the infinite cycle of life, death, and rebirth." This time there was no murmurs as the group was fighting to control their stomachs at the sight of the now named Nurgle, in a hope not to offend him. Finally, the last spirit spoke.
"And I am Slaanesh, lord of excess." With all the ancient spirits now named, Tzeentch spoke the question on all the Gods minds.
"Why did you request an audience with us caller?" This snaped Louise's mind out of her trance and back down to her body.
"I called upon you to ask for a familiar to act as a guardian and advisor through my life on this world." Stated Louise hoping that they would grant her request.
"Would you give us a moment to consider this?" Asked Nurgle. Louise rapidly nodded, and so the four Gods began to gather their thoughts.
This was almost too good to be true, the girl was asking for a servant and was prepared to accept one that they choose. This would allow them to keep a direct line of sight on the girl, with influence on her growth, all while keeping her away from the influence of the other Gods. But then comes the hard part, making sure the girl choses their champion and not the one's from the other gods.
"I believe we have all come to the same conclusion?" Tzeentch asked his fellow Gods. After receiving confirmations from all of them, he continued. "Caller, we will each offer you one of our champions to become your familiar charged with defending and advising you in your times of need. Is this agreeable for you?"
"Yes of course." Louise replied almost instantly while nodding her head rapidly. She was ecstatic, not only would she get a familiar from these beings, but it would be one of their champions. The first to reveal their champion was Khorne.
"I offer as your familiar one of my greatest champions, U'Zuhl the Skulltaker, a master of the blade, that has remained undefeated against the mightiest of mortal champions and mages in single combat for thousands of years." As Khorne spoke a being walked through the portal. Its hide was blood red, with a head that lengthened far beyond a human. Four horns came out the sides of his head, two stretched down beyond his jaw, while the other two rose upwards and began to curl back down with a pair of skulls held in the curls. Upon his back was a cloak adorned with skulls, and within his hands was a flaming sword. Next Slaanesh unveiled their champion.
"I offer you one of my greatest mortal champions, Sigvald the Magnificent, who's beauty and skill at arms outmatches even those of the arrogant elves." All were enthralled by the being that stepped through Slaanesh's portal. He easily stood at over six feet tall, with long flowing locks of golden hair that reached down to the base of his neck. Covering his body was a beautiful set of skin tight, golden armour that reflected the light around him creating a sparkling golden aura around his body. On his left arm was a large silver shield that doubled as a mirror, and at his hip was thin silver rapier. His gaze washed over the crowd causing the girls present to blush and the boy to feel a stomach-churning jealousy at this golden beaty, none held his gaze though his eye lingered just a moment longer on Kirche than all others. Third to speak was Nurgle.
"Young one, I offer you one of my finest alchemists. May I present Festus, a fine brewer capable of concocting, anything from the finest healing drafts to the deadliest of poisons." Yet again with topics involving Nurgle most present felt the need to vomit, and those who didn't averted their eyes. Sigvald turned his head with a sneer of pure disgust at the site of Festus. Festus himself had the form of a bloated man, with grey withered skin covered in boils and blisters. He wore an old withered leather apron with torn and faded patches. Upon his back he carried what appeared to be a full alchemy lab. Final Tzeentch revealed his chosen champion.
"Caller, I offer you the Changeling. A shapeshifter capable of transforming into anything they desire, while also being a highly skill magic user that may teach you a few spells if you offer them the appropriate price for such knowledge." Out of Tzeentch's portal floated a blue skinned being covered in a luxurious blue, full body cloak with gold details. The hood of the cloak was covering the head entirely, hiding all their features in shadows too thick for any eye to pierce. The Changeling had a total of four arms, three were on its left side, while the fourth was on its right. In its right hand it held a golden staff with an avian skull upon the top, while a serpent wrapped around the skull.
"Now deary, you have your options. Time to decide." Stated Slaanesh, slowly feeling the need to return to the search for new sensations.
Louise began considering her options. She already decided against Festus, because even though alchemy is an excellent skill to have at one's call, she couldn't stand the thought of Festus being anywhere near her for the rest of her life. Then she ruled out Sigvald, even though he is possible the most attractive man see has ever laid her eyes on, he was still just and magicless swordsman in her eyes.
This left her with two, U'zuhl an immortal duelist that has been undefeated against even mages for thousands of years without the aid of magic, or the Changeling, a shapeshifting mage that could teach her some of their spells. After another minute of pondering, she made her choice.
"I choose lord Tzeentch's champion, the Changeling." At these words Khorne clenched his fist, Slaanesh gained a bored look, and Nurgle held disappointment in his eyes. Although Tzeentch had possibly the biggest grin Louise had ever seen.
"You heard the caller, back to your realms." With that said three portals closed, their masters disappearing along with their champions. "So, with that out of the way, I only ask for one thing in return for the services of my champion."
Louise tensed up worried about what price the lord of magic could ask for.
"A favour. To be called in at a later date. Well, good-day to you caller." And with that said, the final portal closed.
Silence. That's all that followed for a few seconds. The silence was then broken by the Changeling speaking for the first time.
"So how does one become a familiar in these lands?" This question snapped professor Colbert of his daze.
"O-of course, Miss Valliere if you would please complete the ritual." Stuttered the professor as he slowly gained his confidence back.
"Yes professor. Pentagon of the five elements, bless this humble being to become my familiar." As she approached the Changeling it lowered itself to the ground until its cloak rested just a centimetre from the earth. Unsure if the being even had a face given it's a shapeshifter, Louise gentle took one of his empty left hands and laid a kiss onto it.
Upon his hand being released the Changeling brought it up to his hood, and after a few moments it started to sizzle in pain. It was quite painful, but no pain could compare to being banished in his opinion.
After several seconds the pain disappeared and was replaces with a rune in a language he didn't recognise. That was a nice surprise, it was always fun discovering new things.