Siren's Kiss

50: Of All That Has Passed Part Two

The death of Anonuman, the last Sentinel and the living ancestor of the Templars-also known as the "Nameless"-marked the year's end. His passing, during the festival of the North Wind's Prayer, was regarded as a dire omen by the gods. In the days when the world was still young when the heavens wove their delicate threads through the fabric of the earth, the Seven Seas thrived under the watchful gaze of Nerevarus. A god of immense wisdom and strength, Nerevarus guided the waves with a gentle hand, fostering harmony between the seas and the lands they caressed. The creatures of the deep sang his praises, and even those who dwelled on land revered his name, for under his rule, the oceans were both generous and just.

The Seven Seas, a world crafted by Nerevarus himself, was a unique realm among those connected to Aetheris, the universe where the gods held sway. Yet even a creator as powerful as Nerevarus had to abide by certain rules. Each creation once brought into existence, could soon outgrow its maker, surrendering to the forces of fate. Failing to respect this order risked invoking the wrath of the Dragon God, Kali, who would devour worlds that defied their destined course.

For centuries, Nerevarus maintained control, guiding the Seven Seas as they flourished beyond expectations. His creation surpassed others, earning the admiration of even the Phoenix God Som, one of the Architects of the Universe.

But even in those golden days, shadows stirred within the hearts of the divine. Among the gods, none stood closer to Nerevarus than Lexios, Keeper of Divine Order and Enforcer of Contracts. Lexios, who had once sworn to uphold balance and justice alongside his brother-in-arms, now found himself burdened by a growing unease. He had watched with a critical eye as the Seven Seas flourished, their power swelling, their influence stretching across the realms. To Lexios, the seas had become a threat to the delicate balance of the cosmos.

Driven by his unyielding commitment to order, Lexios approached the council of gods. In the grand hall of the heavens, beneath a sky that shimmered with stars like distant diamonds, he spoke with a voice as cold and unyielding as iron.

"The world of the Seven Seas has grown too powerful," Lexios declared, his eyes blazing with conviction. "They swell with might that threatens the balance of all creation. If we do not act, they will consume the world, leaving nothing but ruin in their wake. For the sake of order, the Seven Seas must be destroyed."

A murmur rippled through the gathered gods, their luminous forms flickering with uncertainty. They had long trusted Lexios's judgment, and his words now sowed seeds of doubt. Yet one voice rose in protest, clear and steadfast.

"Nerevarus has ruled the seas with wisdom and compassion," spoke Nima, one of the known architects of the highest order. "He has never sought to upset the balance. The seas are not our enemy."

But Lexios, unwavering in his resolve, continued. "It is not Nerevarus's intention I question, but the nature of the seas themselves. They are wild, and unpredictable, and their power grows unchecked. For the sake of all, they must be brought to heel."

Nima growled in frustration. "This is absurd! What about the remaining goodness in that world? The sirens? We've never created beings with such magnificent and powerful origins, but Nerevarus succeeded. You can't let them vanish!"

Lexios, having finally noticed Nima's agitation, fixed his gaze on him. "Let's not forget that Lord Vercin still lurks in the void, intent on destroying Aurora. We cannot afford to leave a gap in the universe that he might exploit."

"Please!" Nima shot a disdainful look at the other deity. "Vercin hasn't shown himself in years since Som reset that world. Nerevarus has no connection to the void; he can't use it."

"Ah, I see. Speaking from personal experience, are we? Didn't you lose Asterin to fate?" Lexios's remark, though accurate, was clearly meant to provoke. For a moment, the gods in the grand hall thought Nima might respond with childish indignation. Unlike the others, who preferred to be taken seriously, Nima had chosen to maintain a childlike appearance, standing only four feet tall compared to Lexios's imposing height.