Chapter 5: Time Shifts and a Time of Joining
Time continued on as it has a wont to do and the following years were a time of great change for much of Oerth. Under the auspices of the Council which continued to meet at least once a year, much to the Theocrat's annoyance, the chaos following the war was slowly and inexorably replaced by order as society rebuilt itself with the survivors of the war slowly expanding their borders to encompass those that had lost their national identities, their livelihoods, and their futures. For brevity's sake I will describe these changes in the broadest of terms as many historical documentaries, textbooks, and other media produced by the various kingdoms themselves have discussed these matters individually and in exhaustive detail. Suffice to say that while these events are historically significant and helped shape the world at that time, they are not officially part of our Empire's personal history and thus shall be briefly mentioned to provide context.
Surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges, specifically the Crystalmists, the Great Barrier, and the Lortmils, as well as the great Azure Sea to the east, the small band of kingdoms to the southwest, specifically Bissel, Geoff, the Gran March, Keoland, and the Yeomanry, were for the most part unchanged as the demons had set their sights on larger prey. Even so, the cooperation and trade they had enjoyed continued to strengthen with the creation of new roads and infrastructure built by the Emperor and His servants.
The Dwarves, their kingdom situated between the Elves of Celene to the northeast beyond the Lortmils and the southwestern kingdoms to the west, continued their exploitation of the vast mineral wealth beneath the Lortmils as they had done for centuries. However, with the advent of modern mining methods and technologies wrought by the Emperor and presented to their king, the wealth literally flowed like rivers from the roots of the mountains, allowing their underground kingdom to expand greatly. Looking to expand their profits even further they looked to the Drachensgrab Hills to their southeast. Traditionally a land of dark repute from which many dark creatures and monsters made their home, the Dwarves resolved to remove their blight from the world once and for all in order that they might make use of the trade routes along the nearby Woolly Bay which was in turn used by the powerful cities of Greyhawk, Dyvers, and Elmshire.
These three cities had declared themselves and the lands about them a free trade zone uninvolved with the politics of their nearby neighbors, namely Urnst, Celene, and the former kingdom of Furyondy. However, unlike the Elves they had no wish to isolate themselves from the world and the massive Nyr Dyv lake to their north had always been one of their greatest means of profit as shipping lanes had been woven between the various lake-side cities for centuries. The mineral wealth of the nearby Lortmils also allowed them greater prosperity and freedom though the influx of wealth from the Dwarves were sure to increase them as well.
For the Dwarves' part, their cleansing of the Drachensgrab Hills proved to be a drawn out affair as the hills and mountains were found to be filled with bolt holes and bunkers hewn out of the old stone from which the Orcs, Trolls, and Goblins could sally forth and harass the armies with guerilla tactics before retreating back into their holds. But few had the stubborn nature the Dwarves possessed and having unparalleled skill in mining they made for excellent sappers. Weeks would be spent digging underground access tunnels into the very bowels of the hills before moving up into the hidden bunkers, breaking through their rear passageways before the enemy realized their predicament. These maneuvers also had the added benefit of allowing the Dwarves to scout for veins of minerals to be mined out later on once the army's work was complete.
They are nothing if not a pragmatic people.
To the north of the Lortmil mountains Veluna had undergone a massive expansion to help the downtrodden citizens of the ruined former kingdom of Furyondy to their east. Added by the Holy Order of the Peacekeepers of Rao as well as other knightly Orders Veluna had slowly but surely extended its eastern borders by building new towns and villages which helped ease the refugee crisis affecting the western part of the continent. The former cities of Libernen, Littleberg, and Willip were slowly rebuilt to conform to Velunian architecture before being declared part of the ArchClericy. Terminators and artisans from Utopia also aided in the reconstruction bulldozing ruined structures and rebuilding homes and businesses, to providing new farming equipment and robust seeds, to creating hospitals and temples to the gods of light, including Prometheus. The process, while slow and gradual, eventually reached its fruition nearly a decade later with Veluna having more than doubled in size, it eastern border now the western edge of the Nyr Dyv lake and its northern border the Crystal river just above the former Furyondy capital of Chendl.
The lands north of the Crystal river which had once belonged to Iuz had by this time been settled by the Council of Wyrms and their metallic Dragons. In addition to controlling the crumbling ruin that had been Dorakaa they also controlled the vast Vesve forest to the west of Iuz's former citadel which allowed them to bargain for lumber trading. Iuz's lands had quickly been emptied of his former servants and the other dark creatures that had long made their home there as the Dragons had not tolerated their presence. The dark cities of Molag, Ixworth, and Izlen as well as others had quickly evacuated due to the Dragons' overwhelming might. The spiteful creatures were forced to flee to the cold, darker reaches of the marshes and ice fields near the northern edge of the continent, the ancestral home of the nomadic humanoid Wolf and Tiger tribes. The Dragons had also extended their reach eastward to the western half of the Shield Lands, being the only creatures who dared brave the horror that Critwall had become. A dark and violent thunderstorm still floated perpetually over the ruined city with flashes of unnatural purple lightning and acidic rain a common sight. The air and ground were filled with plagues and diseases of various kinds, wrought by the God of Suffering and Nightmare during the Demon war and the broken buildings themselves were charged with unholy energies and dark enchantments from the battle that had been fought there.
Even now, years later with the Dragons' regular attempts to cleanse the city it was still a festering sore upon the world.
Further still, Alsharak had pledged to have his warriors guard the tower of the Council of Kingdoms, ensuring it would forever be unspoiled and a haven of cooperation as well as the border marker between their lands and the kingdom of Urnst.
Further to the north and east the Theocracy of the Pale had once again been able to expand its borders west beyond that of the former small kingdom of Tenh, which it controlled by proxy, to the Feelreev forest that bordered on the Dragons' lands. While the Theocrat had attempted to first take the forest and the lands to the west of it by force, the overwhelming power of the Dragons had curtailed any hopes he had in that regard. Finally he had grudgingly settled the western border of the Pale a few miles into the forest as the Dragons had no need of even more trees, the forest providing a natural buffer zone between the antagonistic Pale and the aloof Metallics. While the Theocrat had also attempted to increase the Pale's southern border he had been relatively stymied by the local warlords that made up the Bandit Kingdoms to the south. Having seen the Theocrat's expansionistic tendencies and the arrogance with which the soldiers of the priesthood carried themselves, the once disparate tribes had banded together in a loose alliance to drive back the invaders from the north, thus far with varying degrees of success.
The eastern part of the Shield Lands, south of the Bandit Kingdoms, east of the Council tower, and bordered by the Nyr Dyv to the south, had been taken over by Urnst as they had lent their resources and aide to the people of the region, unwilling to have them starve. More towns along the northern and eastern edges of the Nyr Dyv were built to increase trading between them and the free trading zone sponsored by Greyhawk to the south. To the south of Urnst, the Bright Desert where Prometheus had located Kynathia had also begun to be settled by more brass Dragons, including Kynathia herself. Despite Prometheus's misgivings the young brass Dragon had decided to return to her roots and help rebuild the city she had grown up in before her exile into the wastes where Prometheus had found her. With the Council of Wyrms permission she had taken a fleet of like-minded brass Dragons and they had begun to construct lairs for themselves, the Dragons already partial to the hot, dry climate, as well as giving them a bastion in the south-eastern side of the continent.
Such was their proliferation in later years that the mountain range separating Urnst from the desert became known as the Brass Hills.
Per the treaty signed by the various Governors, the Emperor continued to rebuild and restore the cities of Nyrond between Urnst and Utopia, eventually making it a part of his empire with Ahlissa and its lands directly across his southern border. The lands of the Bone March to the north of the empire were quickly absorbed into the realm, the various Gnoll and Orc tribes putting up a vicious but ultimately futile fight given that the creatures tended to fight with bone weapons whereas Prometheus's troops were armed with plasma rifles and modern body armor.
After seeing the utter desolation of the tribes and the ease with which it was accomplished, the few small towns and cities quickly capitulated to the Emperor's wishes.
At the same time the dirt and cobblestone roads that linked the various kingdoms were steadily being converted into a simple but robust series of concrete roadways and steel bridges with new buildings being built of sturdier concrete or reinforced stone as well as a few steel structures. The trading houses of Ahlissa also began to offer new and innovative devices to the denizens of the various cities with Prometheus's blessing, including slim wands that created a beam of white light at the press of a button or lamps that produced warm light without the need of oil as well as machines that allowed the harvesting of crops and their delivery to market to be much more efficient. Such wonders as these were formerly only available to the wizards or nobility who had regular access to them and even then they would only be sold to non-magic users for exorbitant amounts, assuming such things could even be created. Now, however, they were available to the masses though their prices still remained a bit high. New weaving machines became available to seamstresses and clothiers throughout the lands as well as new metal-working processes that had blacksmiths and metalworkers of all types coming to Utopia in droves in order to learn these new techniques. Complex musical instruments of various types were being seen in upper-class taverns and sitting rooms and a new distilling process for common beers and ales that lessened the effect of hangovers quickly became popular with the common man.
Utopia's schools and universities soon became very much in demand with the amount of new goods becoming available. While a student of the mystic arts might study under one of the great Archmages in Greyhawk or a young person looking to become part of Pelor's or Rao's priesthood might study in Mitrik or Veluna City, to learn the new arts of technology or science one went to study under the Emperor. Lord Prometheus himself had hardly been idle during this time as he had continued to not only control his burgeoning empire but had been absorbing everything knowable about Darlana's ship and the technology it used. The ship's central data core had contained a wealth of knowledge regarding the ship's components and workings in case the pilot had needed to effect repairs on any of the systems. The various components themselves from the inertial dampening system, scanner suite, engines, and even the hull composition had allowed him to extrapolate and create a multitude of new materials, devices, and systems that would seem like magic even on Earth with its cutting edge technology.
Beowulf's priesthood also continued to grow as temples to his master sprouted in many major cities throughout the land. The message of progress and self-improvement through technology he preached became known across the continent. One prospect that no doubt strengthened this was the possibility of direct access. While all the peoples of Oerth had no doubt about the existence of the gods and their servants, to have one of the divines be directly approachable in any sense was an astonishing idea for most. As a result, more and more people flocked to his new empire and its enlightened ways of thinking to be in the presence of a truly divine being; to be able to speak with him or simply bask in his presence as he walked among his people when not holding court was a life changing event for virtually all who encountered him. Impressed by the capabilities and wonders the members of the priesthood and even common citizens could accomplish with technology that previously had only been possible through higher-ranking priests or powerful wizards, many had joined or become citizens to be granted what was becoming known as the Emperor's Boon.
The Emperor's relationship with Arianasa also continued to grow at a relatively quick pace. While most Dragon courtships could easily last for decades the Emperor found himself growing more and more in love with his companion every day, no doubt a remnant of his human existence. Arianasa's kind and gentle nature was a strong counterpoint to his powerful and sometimes overbearing presence and she would often be found seated with him in court, their auras swirling about each other in soft swirls of gold and silver. Her skills in healing had quickly flourished under Bahamut's divine guidance and she was becoming known by many as the Empress of Mercy with a few even offering private prayers to her during their morning devotionals before going about their day. Such was their connection to each other that after a mere fifteen years of courtship the two had decided to cement their bond in matrimony...
Temple of Prometheus
Veluna City, Veluna
Godsday (midweek), the month of Wealsun (July)
537 of the Common Year (Year 15 Post-Ascension)
People continued to arrive in twos and threes to the temple upon hearing the news of the marriage ceremony. Announcements had been made periodically for weeks regarding the impending date and the large temple was packed to the brim. The temple itself was a tall structure several stories high constructed of smooth white concrete. Unlike various other temples dedicated to the various gods, this one eschewed the use of more baroque or classical architectural styles, instead focusing on straight lines and sharp edges similar to modern Earth aesthetics. The structure was designed to emulate a wide-based, long triangular prism with the two sides slanted upward. The top edge and ceiling had been cut flat and filled with clear glass to allow white light to filter down the center of the massive room while the diagonal walls were covered with stained glass depicting Prometheus engaged with various foes such as Fierna or the Lich Iuz or dispensing wisdom to the masses. The large amount of windows as well as the variety of colors filled the entire room with a veritable rainbow of colors up and down both sides with a stripe of pure clear light down the main central aisle. At the front of the building where the two walls met, a spike of concrete and steel shot upwards for another fifty feet, the tip decorated with a large sunburst containing a golden statue of Prometheus's dragon form. The front entrance contained a pair of large brass doors and at the apse in the back of the room, dominating the rear, was a massive metal statue of brass and gold depicting Prometheus himself in perfect detail, the status in a sitting position with its wings folded and head held high while its open paws were cupped at the floor.
Placed on the floor between the two large paws was a supplicant pillow.
Around the room floated a series of large square mirrors. Placed there specifically for the ceremony, they allowed those who watched to see the exterior face of the palace in Utopia, a large crowd standing in front of it, waiting for the ceremony to start. Standing in front of the temple's crowd was a middle-aged man with a thin beard in silver and gold robes with Prometheus's sunburst symbol upon his left breast, signifying his role as a priest. While his right hand was normal flesh, his left was seemingly covered in a skin-tight gauntlet of gold metal.
"Friends, I bid you welcome to our temple!" He said in a clear voice. "We expect the ceremony to start in a few short minutes! While I see many familiar faces here today I also see those who are unfamiliar with our faith and have never set foot inside this holy place! For those who are new here I bid you welcome in the name of our Lord Prometheus! As you know, our Lord has been accomplishing much since he began his work on Oerth years ago! Many of your lives have been enriched by the devices and constructions he has done these last few years but you have never been educated on who he is or his priesthood! There are even those who do not believe he is a god in the truest sense and many who are confused as to what we believe! I would not see such ignorance continue! If you will allow me to enlighten you briefly while we wait for the ceremony to begin, I would have you know who we are and what we are about!"
Looking about for a moment, he continued. "Our master is the Lord of Technology and Innovation. You ask yourselves, 'what is this word 'technology' he uses, for I have never heard such a thing before'. Technology is a tool or artifact created by our Lord for the good of all, using principles of science! Like magic, if one has the knowledge, training, and tools to create such marvels they too could create them. But unlike magic that changes the world and shapes it by power and will alone, science uses understanding and wisdom to create artifacts based on what is already in the world! Thus our Lord takes raw materials from the ground like iron and wood, air from the sky, and water from the sea, and remakes them into delights such as we have never seen! All these things improve our lives and yet can be created without the gods or magic if one understands how and has the tools to make them! It is his undying belief that technology has the power to uplift and allow every man and woman to become great! It is his will that the world should be strengthened by technology so that his people can face any challenge or defeat any foe! He is also a firm believer in granting knowledge and enlightenment to others! With enlightenment comes wisdom and with wisdom comes power! The power to change one's self! The power to change their lot in life! The power to change the world itself!" He exclaimed. "This the central tenet of our faith, my friends! Using technology to better the world and all things in it to ensure a glorious future for us all!"
"Of course," he continued in a more moderate tone, "this begs the question 'Why, then, do we need such a god as this if man can create such wonders?'. The answer to this question is another tenet of our faith. Our Lord creates wonders at a level we cannot comprehend for such knowledge and power is beyond even the wisest of us! Just as magic can be used for good and noble purposes so can technology. But magic can also be corrupted and used for vile purposes and so to can technology! To prevent this our Lord has instructed that all technology be used for noble purposes whenever possible and to never use them for evil! His guiding hand and the work of his faithful help to ensure such a thing does not come to pass! For the moment we are given small, simple trinkets to better our lives but in the decades and even centuries to come we shall see greater wonders than these! But great wonders also have the power for great destruction and ruin if misused and so they must be controlled by those who are wise in the ways of technology and prudent in their uses! Thus our Lord and His High Priest choose His servants carefully, to ensure that all those who serve him do so with a humble heart and a strong mind!"
"Lastly, my friends," he said in a more humble tone, "the technology he provides us allows us to do a great many things for the betterment of others. You have seen the Sun Lord's clerics heal a man of his wounds, so to can we do such things. You have seen wizards freeze a monster in its tracks, or shoot lightning from their hands, these are powers we have as well by our Lord's grace. These mirrors you see before you allow us to see and hear what happens in Utopia, hundreds of miles away the moment it happens! These are not magic mirrors my friends, these are the wonders our Lord can create on a whim if he chooses! Every temple in the lands dedicated to our Lord has been given these mirrors for this occasion so that all might see and know of him and his bride to be!"
Suddenly the statue behind the priest let out a low bass tone for several seconds before falling silent. With a smile the priest gestured to the surprised crowd.
"The ceremony begins!"
The Imperial Palace, Utopia
A short time earlier...
Bells rang out across the shining city with a clear blue sky and sun overhead. Throngs of people filled the streets as they moved towards the center of the city, hoping to catch a glimpse of the proceedings. Within the palace's throne room the various ministers stood about in small groups talking quietly amongst themselves before slowing filing out of the room to take their places outside. Beowulf stood in a silver and white robe nearby, the afternoon sun shining in through the crystal cupola above making his chrome-like forearm glint and flash. In a surprising break from his usual dark and somber attire Davis was currently wearing vestments of white and silver in keeping with the theme of the day. Prometheus himself was sitting on the golden cloth pillow with Arianasa reclining next to him, a smaller silver pillow having been inset into the floor next to his in anticipation of her new role as Empress once the ceremony had been concluded.
The next iteration of ballistic nano-sheath enchanted armor should be out of its final testing phase soon and our magi-techs in R&D Division 7 managed to solve the rune etching issue. Davis was reporting to Prometheus mentally. They're using micro-laser bursts to create a constant winding string of tiny etchings across the entire surface of the object. Apparently this limits the amount of power that can be infused into them given Mordenkainen's Law but they're looking into ways around that.
Prometheus nodded. Is there anything else of note before I attend my wedding? He asked sardonically.
Nothing important no. Davis replied. Though you might be interested to know I have confirmation from the various terminators that serve in your temples. The large viewing mirrors and sound systems have been set up and all of them are packed with not only believers but people who want to see the event. It's apparently extremely popular to see a god and head of state marry a mortal.
Prometheus laughed quietly at this. Or it could simply be the prospect of being able to watch such an event for the first time on what are in essence gigantic magic viewing mirrors, something most will never have access to.
That too. Davis admitted. The viewing mirrors have also been set up around the city and everything's working properly. The only reason people won't have seen it is if they stay in their homes and shut out everything.
Prometheus nodded. "Then I believe it is time." He said, standing, with Arianasa rising to join him.
Prometheus turned to look at his bride to be. "How are you my dear?" He asked gently with a kind gaze.
Arianasa smiled softly. "I am a bit nervous, I will not lie. Normally such ceremonies are rather private but few dragons are ever heads of state so I suppose I must suffer through the masses gawking at us."
Prometheus chuckled softly. "They do so out of the greatest respect for you my dear. You are the envy of the entire empire and perhaps even the world itself."
Arianasa lowered her eyes demurely. "I would never presume such but still...it is a heady thought."
Prometheus nodded. "Indeed. But come, we must present ourselves to our people before the ceremony begins."
"You still have not told me who will be officiating over us." Arianasa mused as they both transformed into their human aspects, slowly walked down the long carpet that led to the throne room's main doors. "It cannot be Beowulf for he is your High Priest. One of Bahamut's cleric's perhaps or the ArchCleric? I did notice he was in attendance with several of his Cardinals."
Prometheus smiled knowingly. "You will know soon enough, my joy. Believe me, it will be quite appropriate."
The Terminator guards opened the doors automatically as they drew near them, stepping through the archway and into the adjoining foyer where supplicants waited on a daily basis to speak with him and the court. Moving across the room and down the large, opulent corridor to the receiving room which doubled as the entry hall he enjoyed the feel of the warm sun spilling into the room through the various tall crystal windows. It was something of an illusion of course, as the palace technically did not exist on the Prime Material plane. Being the heart of his godly realm the structure itself existed in a pocket universe of his own creation with a perfect reconstruction of the exterior sitting where the palace had once existed. However, given his command of local reality and his ability to manipulate it, pulling sunlight from the mortal realm and streaming it in through the windows that were enchanted to show what was going on outside was child's play. The massive main doors opened and immediately the pair were hit with a massive burst of sound from thousands of throats as the people began to cheer wildly alongside the sounds of silver trumpets sounding their arrival. Stepping through the archway they could both feel the tingle of exotic energies as they stepped between one reality and another, the main doorway housing a permanent transparent portal between the mortal realm and his own. Stepping out into the true sunlight, their jeweled necklaces and crowns shone brightly along with their light colored royal robes.
They smiled at the people as they raised their hands in welcome and benediction, Arianasa looking slightly overwhelmed at the sight before her. Upon the massive lawn before the palace, hemmed by Knights of the Radiant Dragon in their gleaming armor as well as Terminators in silvery plate mail, was a vast crowd of people from all over the city and beyond who waved and cheered loudly, the number enough that they spilled into the street beyond and even the roadways further out. Closer to the front of the palace, surrounded by not only Prometheus's guards but their own honor guards, were various dignitaries from across the continent. Canon Harfell of Veluna was in attendance as well as Overking Xavener of Ahlissa. Kynathia and several brass Dragons had made an appearance as well as Alsharak, Caretaker of the Council of Wyrms. The Lord Mayor of Greyhawk had sent his representative, a powerful archmage of repute, as had several other kingdoms. At various strategic spots she could see massive square mirrors floating in mid air, allowing the people further back to see and hear what was going on in front of the palace.
Davis unobtrusively took his place off to the side of them, his eyes scanning the crowd as well as the rooftops for any undesirable elements that might wish to disrupt the proceedings as undercover Terminators scattered throughout the crowd and the city provided him with constant updates on all that was going on, their electronic eyes and sensors switching constantly from visual range to infrared, x-ray, and more, their audio sensors filtering various conversations as they passed by. At the same time, clerics and wizards in the employ of the Emperor sat within the palace's security hub, using scryings of various sorts to constantly scan for any demonic or magical disruptions. While Davis was well aware that Prometheus, with his divine senses, would most likely sense anything out of the ordinary before his people did, it was nice to have the reassurance of other eyes keeping track. One couldn't be too careful after all, especially on an occasion such as this when you had dignitaries and several heads of state from across the continent in attendance, not to mention the Emperor would be somewhat distracted by the events going on.
Stepping around the pair to stand before them, Beowulf raised his hands, calling for quiet. After a few minutes the crowd finally settled down to a low rumble.
"Citizens of Utopia! Followers of the faith! Friends, guests, and any who may be seeing me and listening to the sound of my voice, I bid you welcome to this most glorious of occasions!" He shouted in his rough voice, his golden eyes gleaming in the afternoon sun.
The crowd began to cheer again and Beowulf once again raised his hands, the crowd quieting after a time.
"On this day we celebrate an event 15 years in the making!" He announced. "The joining of our Lord and Emperor with his soul mate Arianasa Darshana, priestess and cleric of Bahamut, the Lord of the North Wind and all Metallic Dragons!"
The crowd cheered once again, calming after a few moments at the Gnoll's behest.
"This woman, this Dragon of grace, has given us all much in the time she has been among us!" Beowulf said loudly. "For me personally, she had given much of herself in a time when I was in dire need. When I suffered most cruelly at the hands of an enemy, such that my very mind had been broken, she used all her power and all her skill to help heal me of those most grievous wounds! When the demons attacked our people and our city with the help of the dark gods she helped lead the charge against her most hated enemy, Tiamat herself! The dark goddess of evil Dragons!" He declared. "In the years that followed she helped our people heal and grow to be greater than we are! In the years that followed she has served our Lord faithfully in all things and yet she still held to her faith in her god Bahamut, serving Him faithfully as well!"
Beowulf smiled at her. "Most of all, she has done all these things with grace and humility, never exalting herself or considering her works something to be praised, but merely her natural duty. Works that she would do naturally out of the goodness of her heart without thought or reservation. She is an ideal we can all aspire to, just as our Lord is an example to aspire to!" He insisted as he turned to face the crowd again.
"For those who have never heard, let your ears be filled with wisdom and understanding!" Beowulf said. "You know of the gods as powerful and far away but with our Lord it is not so! Our Lord walks among us, divinity incarnate, but it was not always so! Our Lord was once a man like you! Yes! A man with failings and quirks and fears! A man who had lost and had gained throughout his life! A man who was like all men in all ways! For years he traveled Oerth, fighting in the wars of Iuz! It was my honor, even then, to walk by his side and guard him! He was and is as a brother to me! Such was his purity of spirit, such was his strength of will, that he dared to challenge Iuz at the height of his power when he gained unholy false life as a Lich of great power! Such was his willingness to give everything that he and the ArchCleric, the former Canon Hazen sacrificed themselves to destroy the foul army of undead Iuz and Ivid had created!"
"Had his story ended there it would have been enough for any man! But even in death our Lord was faithful, compassionate, and filled with a perfect sense of justice! He begged the gods to let the people who had been changed by Iuz's foul sorceries be returned to their natural lives, whole and uncorrupted! But as he was, our Lord could not accomplish such a feat as a simple spirit! And thus the gods allowed him his first ascension into glory! Returning as our Lord Prometheus, ascended beyond any mortal man but not yet fully divine, he restored the people, body, mind, and soul! He brought them to their homes and began his great crusade to create Utopia out of the ruins of the ancient Great Empire's former capital! Cleansing the undead and burning away the corruption of Ivid and his followers, Utopia rose as a shining example to all! Throughout the Demon War when the dark gods attempted to destroy all that was good in this world He led the charge against them! Injured, battered, and beaten down by the forces arrayed against Him, He chose still to fight! When all was said and done, the demons defeated at his feet, our Lord was prepared to continue on as He was without thought of reward or compensation! But the gods, in their wisdom and grace, granted Him His greatest and final ascension as thanks for all He had done! Now truly a god, He rebuilt our empire greater than it was before and even to this day His works and gifts benefit us all! Know that you shall see wonders greater than these in the years to come for the things you have seen are but a sampling of His wisdom and power! The salvation and regeneration He offers is open to all who would believe in Him and call Him Lord, for He is a generous god! I stand here before you now and tell you with an open and truthful heart that I have never had cause to doubt Him or His will for me, nor have I ever desired to not be His servant! It is a glorious service and those who serve Him are richly rewarded for their faith and works in His name! I call upon all who hear me this day, come to Him in earnest faith! Your trust will not be wasted and you will find the glory you have always sought within your heart of hearts!"
The crowd cheered loudly again as Beowulf stood there, a content expression on his face before he signalled for silence.
"But today is not about past deeds and glories and so I shall not dwell on them overlong! Today is a day of love, of cherishing, of promise, and of hope! And so it is with the highest honor and the greatest joy that I introduce He who will be joining these two in holy matrimony! One who needs no introduction and the only one worthy of such a joining as this! I give you His Great Holiness, Pelor, Sun Lord and Lord of Life!"
As Beowulf raised his right hand of flesh to the sky a ray from the sun appeared to erupt from the heavens and shoot down to impact against the ground nearby. In a flash of light, the god's avatar stood among them a short distance away from Beowulf. The crowd gasped in amazement and awe as Pelor gazed upon all of them, his brilliant aura filling the entire area, his tanned leonine face gentle with unfathomable compassion and grace. He was dressed in white robes as clean as white snow and as bright as lightning, a sash of the purest brilliant gold around his waist and diagonally across his chest and shoulder. His white hair was thick and full as it fell about his face and shoulders and in his hand he bore a scepter of gold, studded with gems, the head a sunburst with a face in the center. The people immediately knelt in reverence to him with Beowulf, Davis, and Arianasa doing the same. Only Prometheus dared to stand in the god's presence though he inclined his head in great respect to the powerful deity.
"Good people," Pelor began, his voice like rumbling thunder, "I am filled with joy to walk amongst you on this most radiant of days. It has been far too long since I have truly stood before two people and joined them together as one. Not since the ancient days of legend before even the Dragon Wars have an immortal and a mortal become one flesh. Yet here we stand, in witness of this great event. Before I begin I would like to invite one of my peers to join us as they too have an interest in these proceedings."
Stretching out his hands in welcome a blaze of silver light erupted beside him. Standing next to him, his platinum scales gleaming in the sun, stood Bahamut, Lord of Dragons. The crowd gasped again as they reflexively bowed to the new arrival.
"Behold Lord Bahamut!" Arianasa called out clearly with reverence as she stood from bowing to him. "My patron Lord and Lord of the North Wind! The Platinum Dragon incarnate!"
Bahamut looked about at the people with a smile before turning to address Pelor. "I am honored to stand among such devout mortals as these, especially my special servant."
He then turned to look upon Arianasa. "You have done well Arianasa, in the time since your awakening. You have served me with devotion and zeal just as you have served your husband to be in the same manner. You have healed and tended to his servants with a humility and selflessness that is rarely seen among my children and for such charity and purity of spirit you shall be rewarded. Consider this, if you will, my wedding present to you. As a father gives away his child to their intended, so do I grant you leave to be his mate."
Arianasa bowed low to the dragon god. "Let my Lord's will be done unto me as you have said."
Pelor turned to look upon her fully. "One of the reasons a joining of an immortal and a mortal is such a rare event is because of the issue of children." He stated. "In such cases as these, few as they are, there is doubt as to what form the child will take or whether the mother may even be able to carry it to term safely due to the powers the infant may inherit and instinctively use, even in the womb or egg. On this occasion, however, I choose to intervene as is my right as Lord of Life."
Stretching forth a hand, golden light issued from it before flowing over to Arianasa and surrounding her before seeping into her body, the crowd murmuring in awe at what they were seeing.
"By My hand I grant you the grace to carry any child the two of you may conceive. Let your body be strong through any stresses the child might incur upon you for it knows not what it does. So mote it be."
Arianasa took in a deep breath as she felt the god's power fill her with new strength before she bowed low to him. "My gratitude knows no bounds, your Eminence. Your compassion and generosity are boundless indeed."
Pelor smiled gently at her before withdrawing his hand and looking over at Bahamut who stepped towards her.
"As I said, I too have a boon to bestow upon you for your faultless service to me." He stated. "Transform child, that I might behold you in all your glory."
With another bow Arianasa stepped away from the others before shifting into her dragon form. Her silver scales glistening in the sun she took a step forward towards Bahamut.
"An immortal's power and strength is beyond that of any mortal no matter how strong." He stated. "Prometheus's plasma breath is powerful, as hot as the Hellfire of the Nine Hells itself. His body is no longer bound by such trivial things as muscle and bone. Even the strongest of Dragons, immune to normal flames and sealed in the strongest natural armor known, could be injured by him whether by accident or intent. Thus I shall bless you that you might be strengthened further. Know that this blessing shall only apply to him and him alone to help ensure the integrity of your bond. It shall not protect you from others."
"Further," he declared, "Dragon though you are, you are still bound to the ravages of time and Death will eventually take you from your husband to be. However, if you wish it, I will allow you to begin the path of ascension so that, should you follow it to the end, you shall be as he once was, one step from divinity but yet mortal in some aspects."
Arianasa's eyes widened in surprise at this. "You would allow me to become an Ascendant like Prometheus was?" She breathed.
Bahamut nodded. "An immortal Emperor and Empress, both wielding power and compassion to guide the generations of this world and your own children down through the ages, should you choose it and be faithful in your walk to the end. This is what I offer."
Gulping softly Arianasa bowed low, her chin nearly scraping the ground. "I would be honored my Lord!" She murmured.
Bahamut nodded and stretched forth his clawed paws. Brilliant silver light washed over her and filled her with divine energy making the Dragon gasp softly. While she had not been granted the changes that Prometheus had gone through during his ascension she could feel the pull of desire within her, like a distant calling she was bound to heed, to have her follow this path of divinity to the end. She also felt her scales and insides become more dense as the protections Bahamut wove strengthened them. Her aura flared, stronger than before before she quickly reigned it in for fear of it frightening the people nearby.
As Bahamut stepped back Pelor moved to stand before Prometheus and Arianasa as Prometheus's form altered itself to its usual dragon form with chrome-edged golden scales.
"The wars that plagued us have been won." Pelor intoned. "Dragons once again roam the skies. The world has passed through fire and death and while it did not emerge unscathed, peace was achieved at great cost. The last decade and a half has been a time of growth, a time of healing, a time of change. Now is the time for wisdom, for guidance, for joinings. We gather here this day to witness the joining of Prometheus, Lord of Technology and Illuminator of Innovation, with Arianasa Darshana, cleric of Bahamut! If any that stand here believe this union should not take place, let them stand and speak now in our presence!"
The silence was all-encompassing for several seconds save for the soft wind blowing through the courtyard.
"So be it then!" Pelor announced. "As both the bride and groom have stated their wishes that this ceremony be conducted without lengthy and grand speeches I will dispense with them. But I shall say this first to both of you.
May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring.
May you need one another, but not out of weakness.
May you want one another, but not out of lack.
May you search for things to praise regarding each other and find them often.
May you always say, "I love you!" and take no notice of small faults.
May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy.
May you have love, and may you find it loving one another.
Prometheus, Arianasa. Turn, face each other, and state your intentions. Prometheus may begin first." Pelor concluded.
Prometheus turned to Arianasa and began to speak in soft cadence. "For every shadow cast, a light must first shine. The autumn leaves fall and bring life to the spring. In this moment of time, we find beginning. Let us lay down a new path over the trails our elders walked. Walk with me, let me no longer walk alone. Let our spirits entwine and unite as one, to become whole at last, greater than what we are."
Arianasa replied softly. "Be once and for all mine. Let thy light become as one with mine, that two lines of goodness and nobility become one. A line spanning forwards evermore, but spanning backwards in remembrance. This is merely our Spring, let us live our summers and winters together. Take of mine and let us become as one, twin sapling lovers tied in embrace."
Prometheus nodded as he took his paws in hers, his eyes focused on her own. "Before the gods this I swear: to cherish you in all ways and in every moment we remain together, through times of peace and times of strife, when darkness covers all and when light shines across the land. In times of frailty and times of strength, from this moment onward into eternity."
Arianasa repeated the words Prometheus had spoken with soft reverence, lost in each other's eyes.
Pelor smiled as his body grew in stature and height until he stood higher than the pair of them. Stretching forth his hand so that it hovered over them both, he spoke. "By my authority as Lord of Life I declare the two of you to be joined evermore as one flesh." He declared as a halo of light surrounded the pair of them before flashing brightly and vanishing.
Smiling widely for a moment, the pair kissed deeply as the crowd exploded into a cacophony of cheers and roars of happiness. Across the continent in dozens of temples throngs of the faithful and non-believers alike clapped and cheered in happiness, seeing the two of them on the massive mirrors.
Breaking apart slightly, a moment later the two turned to look up upon the ecstatic crowd.
"People of the realm, I give you your God and Emperor, Prometheus Sunflare and his Empress, Arianasa Darshana Sunflare!" Pelor declared loudly.
The crowd began to roar joyfully and shout their names as the pair stood before them, basking in the adulation as the gods looked on with joy.
A\N: I spent a lot of time trying to decide whether to do such a large time shift or not. I have never liked time skips in fiction, mainly because they are often used to gloss over difficult or impossible situations to which the author has no answer when they write themselves into a corner (of course character inserts are little better but at least an attempt for resolution is made.) However, in this case, I considered it necessary in order to keep the plot moving and not bog everyone down, otherwise this fic would be several hundred thousand words in length and nothing of significance would have happened yet.
