The light of Chronias shines down brighter.
Moore looks up at it from his seat in one of Xiranthador's many libraries, a book open before him. Even below the water the radiance can be seen, a steady glow that illuminates all of Celestia anew. In the past week it has been all the archons and angels have spoken of, a wonder that captivates all. Even the mere slivers of light that come through the window are wonderful, drawing Moore into a thoughtful revery.
"It is beautiful."
It is the voice of Erathaol that brings Moore from his revery, the Third of the Hebdomad humbly sitting opposite him. His expression is serene and thoughtful, calming.
"But there are matters for us to discuss, Moore," Erathaol continues. "Soon you will begin your missions, and to that, you must be appraised of what is going on beyond Celestia."
"Lord Erathaol." Moore greets him. He pulls himself out of his chair to give him a deep bow before he sits back down.
"I still remember when we talked for the first time here." He offers a smile, nostalgia filling his voice. "It feels like so long ago, even though it really wasn't, in the grand scheme of things. Even then... I had an inkling of what was to come, I think... deep down. Either way, I'm still glad it all happened." He shuts the book to devote his full attention.
"I'm surprised that it is you who's bringing this news, though, I admit. Is there a Celestian version of drawing straws?" He asks with a smile that leads to a grin. "I mean no offense, of course, if it is you who's bringing the news then it must be of greater importance than I can realize."
"Your tasks in the future are important," Erathaol agrees quietly, "I would task Cresiel to do this, but he is indisposed with pondering the new light of Chronias. Many are, thus my presence here."
"I doubt you're going to reveal its secret to me right now, are you?" Moore says with another grin. "Forgive me, I do not mean to make..." a pause, a frown.
FIND ANOTHER WORD FOR LIGHT.
"...to joke about something so serious as this." Moore says with a renewed smile.
Erathaol smiles faintly at that, "It is the will of Chronias. For now, that is all anyone needs to know. Have faith and ponder the mysteries that shine down above, for they are the key to rise higher. Now, to begin at the mortal and rise to the immortal: Benfal and Lifasa are both well. The only news there is good news. For the moment, even Aurora is at peace."
Moore nods. "That is good to hear. I didn't have a chance to ask when we had saved Lifasa, but... what happened to everyone who died during the attack there? Did they get resurrected on Lifasa?" He asks.
"The dead are at rest," Erathaol says, "Weep not for them, for they have passed into glory." He looks out the window momentarily, at the light that makes the great lake that surrounds Xiranthador glow.
After a moment of silence, "The Deep Ethereal stirs with the dreams and echos of Lifasa's liberation. If your duties in the future take you there, be aware, for they will be drawn to you."
Moore nods twice. Dreams? Hmm.
"Of course, I'll prepare in case that happens." He says with a smile.
"Next is Air. I have received word that Princess Chan is beginning an offensive against Yan-C-Bin, after Ty-h'kadi wounded the Prince of Elemental Evil in Air in a chance meeting," Erathaol continues. "Your duties may take you to Air, so be advised that you may be drawn into this if you do go there."
Moore makes a mental note to learn more about those people and places. "Of course."
He makes another note to do some research on how Celestia is favored amongst the elemental planes themselves.
"Going on to the Outer Planes," Erathaol continues. "Have you ever visited Bytopia?"
"I have not." Moore answers.
"Few have in recent times," Erathaol shakes his head, a look of sorrow passing over his face. "Be wary of it, for the realm wishes to be forgotten."
"Hopefully not in the same way as Valgadda, Which Is No More?" Moore asks.
"Sadder," Erathaol murmurs, "But worry not of Bytopia yet, merely be aware of it. Your own studies of anathemic knowledge may be benefited by it."
Moore nods with a glance out the window and a fond smile before he turns back. "Of course, I'll do some reading on it."
"Things stir deep in Elysium," Erathaol reports, "While the natives seem to have it in hand, there may come a time when you are involved. Should they ask for aid in keeping what is imprisoned there imprisoned, aid them."
A pause for one moment, as a kneeling astral deva appears. "Lord Erathaol," he interjects.
Moore nods, then smiles to the astral deva and politely waits.
A mere glance from Erathaol, the astral deva speaking. "Abolas has returned."
"It is as foreseen," Erathaol declares quietly, looking out at the light. "See that he is taken care of and given a chance to rest."
"As you command," Then the astral deva is gone.
Moore merely remains quiet with a smile. If it pertains to him he'll be told, otherwise he can find out on his own.
Afterwards Erathaol is quiet for a few more moments before going on. "Abolas was a deva who lost the way. He came to doubt the light of Chronias, declaring that the Heavens were empty if the light of it could not be seen beyond Celestia."
Erathaol is silent a little longer, "He has seen the light of Chronias now. All is well once more. Understand that this is a time of prophecy, Moore, and hold fast to that idea, for we will talk more of it soon."
Moore nods. "Is it time for me to learn what the Prophecy of Primus is?"
"We will speak of that," Erathaol agrees, "5,000 years ago, Primus completed a grand calculation he had been at for eons. He determined that the only possible future was one where Shar triumphed and returned Creation to nothingness. He believes it to be inevitable and Shar's power waxes greatly. This is known as the Prophecy of Primus."
"I take it Taelfgan uncovered that and that's what led him down the path he eventually followed?" Moore asks.
"It may be so," Erathaol agrees, "It is known to the powers of the planes. We have been moving to counter Shar, to defeat the Prophecy of Primus and ensure Creation continues."
Here the Third of the Hebdomad pauses once more, gaze again returning to the light. It seems brighter than before, shining through the water like a cascade of diamonds. Be not afraid. I am with all of you.
"Many gather to battle her. Some, such as Empress Sulia, Alicia Reynes and Seira Aryn are raised to divinity to help counter and oppose Shar." Erathaol continues ever so quietly, almost silently. Yet his voice is the only thing you hear, as if your own internal meditation. "Others gather mighty forces to oppose her servants, who grow ever stronger and more numerous."
Moore nods, momentarily distracted by something... he shakes his head quietly. "I understand. I want to be able to return the kindness I was offered by you and Mount Celestia for a chance to live my life. What role do you want me to play in this? A diplomat to gather strength for the cause against Shar for now?"
"That is precisely it," Erathaol says, "Perhaps in time more, for there are many vista open now. I wish for you and Cresiel to gather like minded souls together to make Creation a better place and check Shar's advancement."
Moore nods. "Very well, that will be a simple enough task -- there are many I treated with before that I think will work with us and are like-minded enough."
A pause as he considers his words for a moment as he glances outside. He turns back with the appearance of having found an answer. "Ah... I'm not sure how to properly phrase this... When I was with Aurora, the chain of command was very important to be followed. With that in mind, how much authority do I have for this sort of role? I obviously am not going to go around making promises I cannot myself keep, but there may be calls for asylum or other such favors wished for aid; I'd like to better understand what I can and cannot offer."
This draws a slight smile from Erathaol, "A perceptive question. Allow me to elaborate Celestia's structure. In brief, there are tiers to authority within Celestia. You have your many common masses - souls who are climbing the mountain but seek no great authority. They are the sheep that we tend to, to ensure they pass safe and sound towards Chronias, for we are their shepards."
A moment to consider, "Then you have ranks of angels, archons and other goodly beings who oversee the duties of Celestia. Be it military ranks for soldiers, to civil ranks for servants and aides, all form a great pyramid that ensures the good workings of Celestia. Above them stand Lords, Commanders, Barons, Earls, Dukes, Generals, Admirals and other such ranks. Beyond them is a fourth tier - the Authorities of Celestia. I believe you are familiar with them? Above them is a fifth tier, the Hebdomad save Zaphkiel, though the deities of law and good hold equivalent rank. The sixth tier is Zaphkiel alone, while the seventh tier is Chronias itself." The Seraphs are beyond this, Moore. Understand that, should you encounter another like Cantasa Alexandria or Xerona.
A moment to consider anew, slowly studying you. "I believe the title Duke of Songs is fitting for you. It will come with all the authority of such a rank, as you have earned a place here."
A blink. A nod as if to another's words.
"I did meet one when I was here once before. I don't think he appreciated my 'authority' pun... he'd probably heard it more times than most planes have existed, though, so I can't blame him." Moore chuckles at that and then nods again to his final words. "It's difficult to refute Her Majesty in a moment when She bestows a title like that on you, I admit." Moore says with a smile.
"Thank you, Lord Erathaol. I will be sure to to seek out the wisdom of the Mountain should I find myself in a situation where I am unsure of whether I can offer someone something in exchange. ...Ah, that's another... fundamental question, I suppose... I know we were given several bards of varying metals when I had come to help fund Aurora's crusade... even then, I never see any shops or anything up here. I'm guessing the concept of money doesn't make it too high up the Mountain?"
There probably aren't a lot of mercane that make the trek to Chronias, he muses.
Bards of metal?
"Money is meaningless here," Erathaol says, "All that is needed is provided, and all that is wanted is given or learning is given to understand why it is not needed or desired. We do use money beyond Celestia, for our trading corps and other ventures, but it is never about profit. Coin and treasure means little to us, beyond doing good with it. When an archon general returns with a magic sword he has no use for, he does not see it as something to sell for money. He sees it as something to be given to one who is worthy, who will profit from it in ways far superior to coins and gems."
bars
Moore nods. "I understand. With that in mind, then, would you like me to go with Cresiel to find him something worthy for him to wear and utilize, or is that a journey he should undertake himself? I think for myself, I have everything I need in terms of equipment... though I suppose I haven't really bothered to ask the Mountain about it since I got here." He chuckles a bit at that. "Maybe we should both go and see what happens." He muses.
"Go to Jovar," Erathaol says, "The way will present itself to the two of you together."
"I'll try and not cross over to Chronias while I'm there." Moore says with a smile, knowing full well that he couldn't even if he wanted to -- that isn't how it works.
"Is there any particular realm or individual you'd like me to entreat with first over all else?" He asks.
"I will by and large leave it to you," Erathaol says, "There are many paths yo ucan take, but they must be your own paths. But more than anything else - find Shar's darkness and defeat it."
Moore smiles. "I will. Maybe I'll even try and recruit someone from the Lost Realms. Thank you, Lord Erathaol. I will make you proud."
"Amen," Erathaol murmurs quietly.
Your call here, Moore. The current events dump managed to get derailed a bit. Do you want to rerail it or just call it good here?
If there's any other current events to take note of then he'll hear them.
After a short pause, "But there is more. The Seladrine of Arvandor meet to discuss a new champion, a new and potential demipower," Erathaol says, "Be prepared, for if you are on Arborea during that time, you may be pressed into events."
"I did intend to see if I could meet with King Oberon." Moore says. "I will be careful." He nods.
"Step wisely," Erathaol concurs, "While not hostile, events may draw you in unexpectedly. Was this a priority for you?"
"It can wait a while." Moore says with a smile. "It was a personal mission, not anything related to anyone else."
"Then beware Limbo. The tides of Chaos there ripple and foam, and I see danger if you go there." Erathaol continues. "Perhaps opportunity, but certainly danger."
And he can't just go ask Baleruk for an escort like he used to... hm.
"I will keep that in mind." Moore affirms. "It seems like everywhere is abuzz with activity."
"They are," Erathaol says, "Be prepared, for Lixer now rules Avernus. You are safe here, but beware when you travel other planes."
"I think we could spend a few eons discussing that particular piece of information." Moore shakes his head. "I understand, I will make sure to be properly protected."
He blinks once and then puts a finger to his forehead. "Ah, right, that arch isn't available anymore... I'll have to find a replacement for that. Ah, excuse me, apologies, I was just thinking about something."
"For now, that is all," Erathaol concludes, "Ponder what you have been given, and consider well in the future. Be vigilant for more information in due time."