Heaven's Heresy

The Age of Mortals

The Olanni Empire was one of the largest mortal gatherings on this side of Edafos. The land they lived on was named Cardia, and they inhabited its many forests and plains. They built their homes out of marble and often wore white linen and silks. For them, white was the symbol of their souls, and the color of their Divine's robes as well.

Their society revolved around the beauty and enjoyment of life, a utopian ideal they worked hard for. They built many massive temples to the One, and just as many monuments and art for their Divine.

Euphoria touched down softly within the temple of the One, and the worshippers inside quickly bowed in respect. She calmly floated past them and went outside. She was greeted by all she passed until she sat down by the fountain. Next to her was a young child with a pet cat.

"Little one, what are you doing today?" she asked.

"Hm. I wanna teach my cat to catch a ball."

"A simple task then, I'd think. I would actually have thought that dogs enjoyed that."

"Well I don't have a dog," she replied, and Euphoria chuckled. She ran her hand across the cat's fur.

"It's such a lovely creature, don't you think?"

The child petted the cat. "Yeah, he is nice when he wants to be. Have you ever had a pet mama Euphoria?"

"Hmm, no, I have not."

"Well you should, they're fun."

"Oh, if only. I'm never around long enough to take care of one. Do your parents help you take care of it?"

"My Father gets him food sometimes, and he pets him too."

"Does your mother love it too?"

"I think she would have."

"Oh..." Euphoria said sadly. The girl took Euphoria's hand.

"You look so sad."

"Well, you sound like you don't have a mother."

"It's just me and my father," she replied simply. "He says my mama died when I was born. He tells me stories about her all the time."

Euphoria put her hand on the girl's head and gave her a small smile. She looked around to see everyone working, playing, and going about their daily lives. While the society she helped form was pristine and hopeful, she could not eliminate the darkness that mortality seemed so attached to. People still died and suffered pain, and beyond these lands, other tribes waged brutal wars on one another. It was so painful for her however, because she was exempt from all their suffering.

"Daddy!" the girl called out, getting up and running to her father. Euphoria looked up to see a soldier before her, his daughter in hand.

"Lady Euphoria, you seem saddened by something," he said.

"No, I'm not anymore," she replied quickly.

"I was looking for my little Efna, but it appears she was in the right place," he said, touching her head with his.

"I never knew her father would be a soldier."

"I'm just for the guard here. I've seen my fair share of fighting I suppose. The barbarians have been more aggressive lately. Still, they cannot defeat the Empire of the Divine."