>>6349207Not much had changed during your short absence; the idol to the snake god had been expanded, and a small domed building had appeared close by, a first temple. Tribute was still collected at the idol, including something very quaint, a gilded palanquin. Big enough for one person, you being you, you of course took it for your own. A trip through the village streets while being carried by four slaves reminded you of happier times.
As for your other two foremost disciples, Samarda and Nafiri had continued their duties as you had intended. The former as your administrator and the latter as the high priestess of your cult, though with it coming in the open, it was beginning to take on the form of a more conventional religion.
As for the two themselves, the effects of your teaching them forbidden magics had begun to collect their due; one of Nafiri's eyes had turned red, and her skin turned pallid. Samarda's eyes showed red cracks through the black irises, and streaks of white began to appear in otherwise dark hair. You had warned them beforehand, not that they cared; they saw it as a gift from their 'god'. Side effects, as far as they were concerned.
That reminded you that you were effectively immortal, and if need be, you could always retreat back into the necklace you had lent to Samarda. Those two wouldn't live long enough for your long-term plans; only Mortharn and Erassyl probably would. At the end of the day, those two were not nearly able enough in blood magic to extend their short mortal lives.
>Oh well, cycle of life and all that; they can be replaced, either with their descendants or someone else.>Long-term planning requires long-term minions. If need be, I'll drip-feed them the knowledge. >The obvious solution to human mortality is to stop being human, in one way or another. 