Thaltos nodded at Torque and placed Balthizar beside Asakai on the altar. Anybody on Olympus who could heal Asakai would be able to help Balthizar.
The only issue was who to call upon who would be most suited for healing...Thaltos had never required healing from the Gods, all of his wounds had been able to heal during his post-quest respites. He finally decided to simply contact his father, as he would likely be able to assist.
Beckoning for Torque to do the same, Thaltos got to one knee in front of the altar and bowed his head in a sign of obedience and humility. Spreading his hands, he spoke.
"Father Zeus, this warrior and I request the honor of a brief audience with you. These warriors before us have been gravely wounded in the service of the Gods, and without your aid they will surely be wading within the River Styx in moments. Will you help us?"
The candles that plentifully decorated and lit the shrine all flickers, and their flames danced and flared. The wisps of smoke from the candles rose up and circled around the room, uniting in the center of the air above the altar. Out of the broiling mass of vapors, Zeus's face was molded.
"Thaltos my son, you have called and I have answered. You say these warriors were mortally wounded in my service? Hmm, let me see...Balthizar and Asakai? Wounded in service to the Gods of Olympus? You speak true?"
Thaltos bowed his head again. "Indeed, Father. They fought with all their might against a flood of Daemon's servants."
Zeus's smokey visage nodded. "Then indeed such unlikely allies do merit the gratitude of the Gods. I take it this mortal beside you also fought in our favor? No, no need to answer. I know it to be true." He inhaled deeply. "Of course the Gods will treat your wounds, wounds suffered in our name."
The smoke that had formed Zeus's face settled down over Balthizar and Asakai, and underneath the thick black vapor they fluttered to consciousness, their wounds now no more than scars and a renewed energy flowing through them. The smoke rose again, and coalesced around the bowed forms of Thaltos and Torque, knitting wounds closed and leaving them feeling much replenished.
As the smoke rose once more and began to dissipate, Zeus's voice could be heard. "Remember, the Gods do indeed show great gratitude for their most loyal servants, and you are also my son, Thaltos...but the Gods of Olympus are not your personal healers. Our aid is yours, but request it sparingly lest you be denied in a time of great need."
And with that the smoke was gone, and Balthizar and Asakai were starting to sit up.
