Celestial Rift

"Ityth of the Celestials..?"

Ityth of the Ethera Clan, one of the Celestial Clans, stirred from her shallow cave where she hid among the Spinal Peaks of Atlas. The blue ice dragon recognized the voice of the human who had become her friend. It was forbidden for one of the Ethera Clan to interact with any mortal on Atlas. They were only to observe and report back to the Council, nothing more. Over the years she had begun to think differently and, through a series of events, became friends with this particular human.

"What is it, Reginald?" Ityth inquired warmly as she stepped out into the open, light reflecting off the ice shards that adorned her slender blue body.

"I've come on behalf of others," Reginald began, pausing when Ityth flinched.

"You know no one else is supposed to know about me," she hissed, then looked around, certain there would be others watching or listening, either of her kind, or of his. She didn't see or sense anything out of the ordinary, so she turned her attention back to Reginald.

The human grimaced. "My apologies, oh great Celestial, but things seem to be getting quite dire. You remember Nebulon? He was the last one to recently come from the cosmos." The dragon nodded her head. "Anyways, he flies low over villages so people can hear him in their minds. He calls himself the emperor of all the cosmos, and demands tribute for one of his station. He's been taking the tribute that by rights are meant for the Celestials."

He hesitated, and Ityth nodded for him to continue. "Some argue that there is no need to give tribute to Celestials who have not shown their face in ages. If Nebulon isn't appeased, or if someone dares laugh at him..." He snorted. "That actually did happen once, y'know." He rolled his eyes then continued. "Anyways, if anyone does that, he destroys the village, or the offender as the case may be."

"I see." Ityth replied reluctantly. She had noticed some incidents involving this new purplish cosmic dragon, but her job was only to watch, never to intervene, interact, nor interfere. "And what is it you believe I can do for you? I am not capable, nor am I authorized to take on this Nebulon."

"If the legends are true, there are other Celestials that can help restore order," countered Reginald. "The Ahiram may be able to persuade them to leave. And then there's the Xul, and the Sorath'rim..." He drifted off as his face grew wistful at the thought of the mythical dragons of ages past banishing these strangers with their god-like power.

Ityth hmm'd thoughtfully with her head tilted to the side. "Truth to tell, I have no love for these strangers, either." She nods resolutely. "Yes, I will approach the Council and see what I can do. Be warned, though. I cannot guarantee a positive outcome. They will not like that I have become friends with a mortal of Atlas."

Ityth thanked her friend for visiting her, then made her way towards an open stretch of land where she could take off. She leapt into the air and flew higher till she had risen above the clouds. Only then could she cast the spell that would take her to the Celestial Realm. Once the portal was open, she flew through the gateway and entered her homeland. Lush aerial islands appeared before Ityth and she surged forward, propelled by her need to deliver her message. She sped toward the center of the cluster where the Embassy sat, barely noting the vines anchoring the smaller islands or bustle of everyday life. She had a mission to carry out.

Once inside, Ityth made her way towards the central meeting rooms where the council was known to meet. She had remembered from previous visits that Ambassador Aezail of the Xul was a defender of the Atlasians. Aezail was known for arguing against letting these visitors - he called them invaders - to enter Atlas unchallenged. He had a soft spot for those on Atlas, and the Xul were also known for being territorial. Both those qualities made for passionately tumultuous Council meetings that could be heard down the hall even through closed doors. She knew she could count on the Ambassador of the Xul to help with Atlas.