> The Tragedy of Laurana and Grogar
>  by kahnac
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Origin of Harmony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the beginning, there existed nothing.

Not even a single speck of light, or life in any form.

And then, by the will of The Source, the cosmic seed of reality exploded into an expansion of life, and light. Bringing forth an entire universe in its expansive wake, and lightning all there was with the essence of light. And in the process, giving substance to planes of existence for which life itself may exist, and thrive for many eons. Each of these magnolias spheres of life held a smaller orb, or few, to accompany them and ensure equal balance was brought onto each world. The bright spheres bringing the gift of light in the shape of warmth, and cosmic essence. The orbs coinciding with the spheres to create an axis to cycle the light, and dark in perfect harmony to preserve the cycle of life brought forth by light. Light to bring warm, and the Dark to bring the end of light for a period of time with coolness, and gentle wind until the dawn brings the return of light. The cosmos had brought around a perfect harmony. Suns, moons, and stars - the children of Light, and Dark living in perfect unity.

And yet, they were not the first of Light, and Dark who would be the givers of Life, Death, and Renewal.

The cosmos had seen fit to give life to the first two beings in all of creation who would embody the true balance of harmony, itself. First, within the brightest star in the universe, from which all of creation originated, emerged a crystal Goddess whose six wings shined brighter than any sun, or star in all of existence, and who moved with such grace and beauty, it put even the most dazzling of comets to shame. Then came a God of shadow, and fire, made from the remnants of the abysmal nothingness that came before our reality. One whose wings stretched on forever, and encompassed much of the galaxies he flew over. Eyes of crimson suns to match her sapphire jewels of the starry night. Few would ever know what their true names ever were. But to those who were graced with the sight of these entities of cosmic wonder, there were only two names that could ever fit deities such as them.

The Bright One.



And The Dark One.



Elder Gods of all Creation, born on the same day after what would be known as "The Big Bang". And yet, neither of them were of the same blood. They were each different halves of the Balance of Creation, yet individuals containing their own free will. And all of the powers of the universe at their disposal. For they were beings of divine righteousness, and phenomenal cosmic power who existed on planes of existence beyond mortal comprehension. And yet, in a spiritual realm which existed within, and yet outside the mortal plane, the two were free to explore the universe as they saw fit. Testing, and learning their new abilities as they went on. The Bright One learning that her power lay strongly in the creation of life, and planting the seeds of genesis. She even found she could bestow a sacred, and most cherished power derived from the essence of reality, itself.

Magic.

The Dark One was somewhat her opposite in that while he also could give life.....his power lay in taking it away. In ending the cycle of life through Destruction, and shrouding all there was in his Darkness. And yet there was no malice behind these actions. His instincts told him that it was the right thing to do. Especially when it came to the suns, moons, stars, and planets who were on the brink of the most feared aspect of all: Death. He was meant to bring death when it was time for those with life to reach its end. And then ensure their souls found their way back into the essence of the Aetherium. Thus could new life be born from this death, and destruction and feed into the Aetherium, as its universal essence does to other worlds. It was also where The Bright One, herself, came into play.

But she did not fully realize this, yet, and saw it only as acts of chaos, and wanton doom.

So, inevitably, the two Elder Gods would come to blows over such misunderstanding. The Dark One merely defending himself while The bright One sought to end what she considered a threat to all life. Young as they were, their might was equal, and their powers cancelled each other out. For neither, who were embodiments of Light and Darkness, Life, and Death, Creation AND Destruction, had the power to destroy the other. Harm, yes, but never end their lives. So it was a lesson both learned as centuries of endless conflict, which ironically saw the rise of lesser Gods in that time, drew to a close as they both succumbed to exhaustion. Maybe now, The Dark One thought that his newfound counterpart could be reasoned with now that she was spent. He tried convincing her that he was no threat to her, nor was he a threat to Aetherium, either. But she was as stubborn as she was beautiful, and brought his acts of destruction into question. In her mind, such actions could not be condoned, or hold any place in the balance of Aetherium no matter how justified it was. But the Dark One had great wisdom in his heart, and knew how to rebuke her claims by asking her a simple question.

If destruction is so evil, then how could she justify the endless destruction she herself caused by forcing him to fight her for so many centuries?

This seemed to snap the dragon-like Elder out of her self-righteous stupor with feelings of what she now knew to be dread. And on that day, she learned what new emotions she was capable of feeling as she gazed upon the ravaged, and crushed worlds left in the wake of their pointless war: suffering, regret, and sorrow. The Dark One warned her that it was the price of ignorance, and fear. She was ignorant of what the universe expected of them, and she feared the power he had demonstrated before, and during their battle. She alone thought that only creation, and life need exist in this universe. And her counterpart conceded that Destruction was indeed a terrible thing - but senseless, needless destruction was even worse because it had no purpose. The Dark One only ever sought to end the climax of a world's existence when it had grown old, and rigid. His duty, as he came to learn, was to till the fields that was life when life ran its course. And he saw that life is NOT eternal, like they are. Eventually, it gives out, and ceases to exist. But when life finally dies, it returns to the Aetherium, so that the universe itself may grow, and learn as they do. In turn, those same worlds are given a new spark of life so that new existence can come to be. New souls to gain new experience, and wonder as they live out their lives. But only after The Bright One plants the seeds of life, which gives the chance for a new existence to come around. It is what he called the Eternal Cycle of Life, Death, and Renewal. The Great Circle of Life, as many would call it.

Finally realizing this, The Bright One could only feel the weight of her actions crushing down on her, as she believed she went against everything she stood for. For the first time in millennia, grief clasped her heart, and she mourned for the lives she unwittingly took. Her tears twinkling like bright, jeweled stars as they sailed through the heavens. Her cries of remorse touched the heart of her would-be enemy, and he learned what compassion, kindness, and generosity was. His mighty wings wrapped around her in a cloak of shadow that protected her from the feelings of guilt that threatened to crush her. She was weary at first, given what she and he had endured........mostly because of her foolishness. But she welcomed the embrace, and returned it as her own wings managed to wrap around his own body. The two shaping into the form of light, and darkness unified in perfect harmony.

In that moment, the two dragon-like Gods who were once enemies became friends.....and eventually much more.

Together, they set forth to right the countless wrongs their wars had brought about. Planet after planet, and sun after sun, they found devastation everywhere. And the sight of it tore at The Bright One's heart each time. But The Dark One always stood by her side to help her through the pain. And she was eternally grateful for his kindness to her, just as he cherished the feelings of joy he now felt just being around her. Thus, it made his tasks all the easier as he looked after the souls of the dead, and saw their safe passage into the Aetherium. His compassion for the dead, and his loyalty to the task where qualities the Bright One truly admired about him.Once he was finished, the two combined their powers to undo the damage caused by their conflict, and created something new out of the old. A testament to his belief that it was part of the cycle of renewal: from something that once lived, and then died, they had used their essence to give life to something entirely new. This was a truth that brought much laughter and joy to The Bright One's heart. And it was a new lesson she would treasure, always. Just as she cherished her friendship with The Dark One, who worked with such Kindness, Loyalty, and Generosity to her, and the duty they shared - sharing all that he himself felt, and believed in, while treating all those who either lived or died with the acknowledgement, compassion, and consideration they deserved, and he remained faithful to his beliefs to the end.

Only now, he had someone else to believe in, as well, for which both were truly grateful.

But, as her close friend would also say: there can be no light without dark. While the Bright and Dark One's efforts did, indeed, ensure the universe was in perfect Harmony, as Life, and Death, Light and Darkness, Creation and Destruction worked together to care for the cosmos as it grew, and was like unto a garden of cosmic proportions that they both tended to, in roles each of them were best good at - even earning the faith, and loyalty of the gods that emerged over time - there inevitably came forces that sought to tear all of this harmony asunder, and bring the kind of Calamitous Destruction she once accused her friend of when they first met out of ignorance, and fear. A form of Darkness whose Entropic nature only held a desire to end all of existence on a whim. Heedless of the balance of Aetherium, all these demons cared for was the doom of all existence.

From Mar'Nulum, The Realm of Darkness, came the hellish hordes of Malzalam.

And is was the embodiments of Light and Darkness that set forth to oppose them. Together, The Bright and Dark One's strength was unparalleled as they fought in the ultimate form of unity, and harmony. Light complimented Darkness and speared through the demons who were weak against her power, as Darkness made himself shield to the Light whom the demons sought to slay yet could not fully harm one made of their essence. Against them both, the Malzalam held no quarter, and yet had no actual means of overcoming them. Though that might have slowly changed with the near endless numbers the hordes held on their side. As strong as the pair was, even they could not withstand an endless tide. Worse was when their Dark Master emerged from the rift formed by the Malzalam's intrusion. A devil of shadow, and flame who sought to consume their entire universe, and burn it into nothing. Such an immense force of evil nearly brought an end to the Elder Gods of the Light and Darkness...........until The Dark One took a near crippling blow that would have ended The Bright One's life had he not intervened. The near death experience would leave an ever-lasting scar he would carry, even in his ethereal, immortal form.

But the sight of this was the final mark for his dear friend. In the years they had lived, and worked together, she had begun to draw closer to him, as he did her. Time have begun to make what they had more than merely a bond of friendship. What they had was beginning to blossom into something far more beautiful than any could imagine. For the first time in their universes existence, The Bright One progenated the aspect that would be known as........... Love. For she now began to realize she loved The Dark One. And it may have been possible he felt the same way, given how willing he was to give his life to protect her. Either way, it unleashed an unyielding anger, and fury she had never felt before. The emotions of seeing a loved one struck down before you. And now, the Malzalam were feeling the true brunt of this fury. Even their demonic, 3 horned master could not stand against the power of such pure light born of Love, and was forced to run back into the foul depths of Mar'Nulum with what few demons hadn't burned in her all-consuming light. Her last act was to seal away The Realm of Darkness, so that no other wicked forces could ever threaten their world again.

The battle had been won, and the universe was safe. But it had nearly been at a grievous price. Not only with the deaths of several worlds..........but also the deaths of their sacred protectors. Just as The Dark One risked his life to protect her, The Bright One risked her own life by channeling as much of her own essence into banishing The Malzalam back to The Realm of Darkness in order to protect him, and their home both physical and spiritual. Now, the two of them were left drifting through the endless void of space. Limp, and lifeless as they were weak and helpless. And it was possible it would be this way for eons until their own deaths finally arrived.

But there often comes a moment where one must rely upon the kindness of strangers.
> The Worlds Beyond the Ocean of Time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Far longer than either actually imagined, the two Elder Gods of dragonian stature had awakened at last from their ordeal against the Malzalam that had attempted to invade their home realm. The Bright One was the first to awaken from her self-induced coma from exerting herself in the manner she did. When her eyes opened, she saw herself surrounded by a grand, and amazing forest beyond all imagination. The first time she ever lay eyes upon trees that towered above even her. But what astounder her greatly were the alien lifeforms surrounding her. Yet none of them could be of the mortal plane, for all of the creature's essence reflected her own. Hers, and her beloved angel of the dark. Whether it be in the sky, on hooves in the growth, or the tiny, furry little creatures crawling about in the undergrowth, the essence of life could be found everywhere.

And the Bright One smiled brightly at such greatness.

Soon, however, she remembered her dear friend, and what happened to him. As such, she frantically looked around for him, desperately searching for the presence of his essence. In time, she found it just past the bushes that lay next to her. They must have gotten separated upon arrival to this mysterious realm. She herself too tired to use her own wings to travel brushed past the foliage until she discovered The Dark One, out in a clearing near a massive tree temple. She was shocked to see what had become of him, however, as he no long was in his true form. The form he was in was newly made flesh, bone, and fur

Though his body remained dark, he was a variation of his true form.



When she greeted him, he also almost didn't recognize her without the sensation of her essence flowing through her now physical shape, to which she looked to a nearby pond to see a winged, equine-shape that still held qualities of her true form.....but was far more.



Getting over their initial shock, the two warmly embraced each other in a heartwarming display of affection. Both of them grateful to see the other alright after their horrifying ordeal. Bright One asked about his injury inflicted by the Archdemon that had attacked them. Dark One brushed the fur on his chest aside to reveal a large scar hidden by his fur, and his own power of illusion. Her heart ached to see such a hideous sight, but he assured her that it was a mark of dignity, and a symbol of the ultimate victory: survival. Even as ethereal gods, minds forget - but scars remember. And he would let this scar be a reminder of his actions that day - to which he still did not regret. He was however curious about what happened after he had lost consciousness. This was when The Bright One divulged the details of her anger-fueled tirade upon see him injured, harnessed every ounce of her power, and connection to the Source, and drove the Malzalam away. Back into the dark depths of Mar'Nulum, though neither knew that was its name.

To say the Dark One was shocked was an understatement. He could hardly believe The Bright One did all of that on her own, called on such incredible power, and risked using her own essence to the very core..........all because of him being injured. It was flattering, to say the least. And the heart he had no idea he actually had, but now possessed in this organic form, began beating like a drum with feelings he couldn't quite understand. But thankfully, The Bright One called him out of his endless confusion by asking where they were, and how they came to be in this place. Sadly, The Dark One was equally as confused as she was, and wondered the exact same thing. That's when a bright light emerged in front of them, and a robed stag of such great majesty, age, and wisdom stood before them in a stoic, but calm form. 





The two Elder Gods were a little weary after all they endured previously. Though not to the same extent they thought - mainly because of the calm, and serene sensation being around this entity made them feel. Seeing their confusion, the stag gave a small smile, and a light chuckle as he addressed the two.

"Be welcome, friends. In the sacred realm of Avalon, there is room for neither fear, nor distrust. To those who respect the Balance of Creation, and The Source, this realm is sanctuary. And to others, it may even be a place of learning, and strengthening of ones body, will, and mind. But most of all, it is home to those in need. Be welcome to my home, Friend Elder Gods, and know me as I am. Know me as Avalor."


Despite their age spanning eternity, the two Elder Gods were amazed by the image of this majestic figure standing before them. Neither one knew what to say to him, or what to say in general. At least until two young children of equine nature ran around their teacher. One was a silver-furred unicorn with white hair, the other was a navy furred ram with tiny stubs for horns, and wondrous red eyes. The Elder Gods found good natured amusement in the excitement the two young ones had upon seeing the two entities in Avalon, throwing questions around to the two without relent. Even making The Dark One laugh from the young one's enthusiasm, and the Bright One giggle from seeing the two foals crawl around him.

The moment ended when Avalor sternly told them to back off, and return to their studies. His tone was serious, but never harsh. He spoke to the young ones like a teacher does to his own pupils. And the two young ones respected him greatly enough to obey him without question. Bidding farewell to the Elder Gods, hoping to see them again. The two unwilling to wish otherwise, given the impression the two young ones left on them. Bright One complimented the two, saying Avalor was truly fortunate to have such eager young minds as pupils. Avalor himself agreed with a small hint of pride, though he had absolutely no qualms about admitting about how their over-enthusiasm sometimes left him with a headache that would last half a week. He still hasn't forgotten the broomstick incident last week, but he didn't want to relive that moment again.

Instead, he encouraged the Elder Gods to ask him anything they desired. The most obvious question was how they were both here, still alive, and in these new forms. Avalor took a moment to consider how to best respond, before an idea arrived in his mind. Urging them to follow, he lead them through the enchanted woods until they came to a particular tree of interest. One which held single door leading inwards.

Neither gods actually thought much of the tree, except for the wooden door in its center. At first, they actually thought it was only going to be some kind of hut in the middle of an enchanted wood somewhere out in reality unknown to the two. Dark One actually questioned how all of them might actually be able to fit in this place, since it didn't actually seem to be big enough for all of the company, including the younglings. Avalor simply chuckled, and advised the Elder Gods not to ever be fooled by a things common or otherwise simple appearance. As the aura of his magic began pulling the nob and push the door open, Avalor stated one thing as a shining light flashed through the door.

"Like so many things, it is not what is outside - but what is INside that counts."

Each of the gods embraced that wisdom by the glorious, otherworldly sight that greeted their eyes upon entering the tree door.





Neither god could actually believe anything they saw. Not only was the tree they entered an entrance to an entirely new world, hidden WITHIN another world, but the world itself was astounding beyond belief. Crystal so grand, shining, and shimmering it could put the stars themselves to shame. The jewels that seemed encrusted in its body were beyond amazing, and incredibly unique. All five radiated with a mystical essence that seemed connected to specific aspects of existence, itself - though the bigger, indigo star in the center seemed like the very heart of this tree.

A source of Harmony, if you will.

What actually stuck out to them was the part above the five encrusted jewels which actually looked like another tree was attached. And yet, it was surrounded by a branch that circled around it like an embracing hold. Like that tree growing upon the tree was being nurtured. Both Bright, and Dark Ones could sense the significance of it. A symbol of hope for the future, perhaps, in the form of the six jewels at the edge of each branch jutting from the center where the symbol of a heart, with two wings, and an arrowhead with a long, pointed shaft surrounded it. In the middle of the arrowhead was what resembled a single, horizontal eye shining with wisdom. The two gods began to piece together what this might actually represent, when Avalor himself proved them right by his explanation of what they faced.

This was the sacred Lignum Harmonia, The Source of all there was, is, and ever will be.

From the beginning of time, the birth of their universe was caused by the birthing of a single, tiny seed of cosmic, and mystical essence. The explosion that gave rise to the many realities that appeared aided in the raising, and developing of this sacred monolith of creation. A crystal forged by the essence of the cosmos, whose body is fueled by the five marks of power, while its true center held the heart of Courage, and bore The Eye of Wisdom just above. The latter two combined to form a younger, smaller extension of Lignum Harmonia that carried the true essence of Harmony: The Six Elements of Harmony. These Thirteen pieces molded together into a magnificent, crystal puzzle of life that ensure Harmony, and Balance continues its existence. What was more awe-inspiring, was how Lignum Harmonia's branches carried with them the many branching realities, and timelines that would inevitably form from the root timeline, where the sacred jewels aligned to form this reality. The groups of leaves, and fruit hanging from these branches embodied the countless lives connected to each other. Cultures, and races of such diversity that it was all but impossible to count them all. But here upon the branches of Lignum Harmonia, there were no differences save for what one saw. This godly tree that encompassed all of reality was the true symbol of unity, harmony, and even what would come to be known as Friendship. With this tree, there was only one absolute.

We are one.

When Avalor asked what the two thought of the great tree, both could hardly believe what they saw. Any other words that could be uttered were lost on their tongues before they could think of them. For which the stag was lightly grateful for, because he still had much he wished to show the two. At his urgence, he lead the Elder Gods to the base of the colossal tree, and in an unknown, yet ancient language neither heard of, the crystal opened to form a cavern he entered at a fast which seemed quite fast for one of his age. Just as he disappeared, he warned the two godlings not to stray off the path. Dark One wondered what he meant by that, but Bright One figured they would know in time when they arrived. With his beloved in front, after a display of courtesy, the Dark One walked into the cave, which closed shut behind them, to their concern. EIther way, they continued on through the crystal passageway. Every nook, and turn was also narrow, and tricky to move through. But eventually, both saw a purple light at the end of the tunnel. Some kind of portal gate leading to an unknown location. Both were a little weary about going into a place they were unfamiliar with.........but when he saw Bright One's uncertainty, he held her hoof in his paw, and urged that they should go through together. They've done everything together, and thus it was only right that they see this through to the end - together. A warm, gentle smile crossed her face as she gazed into her friend's eyes, and her confidence strengthened. With hoof in paw, the two crossed through the portal.

And their bewildered shock, and awe returned as they entered a whole new world.



The temple isle was unlike anything ever seen before. Even among the many worlds, and civilizations they visited, neither Elder God had ever beheld the sight of something so splendorous, and filled with essence. In fact, they could practically taste the pure, raw essence flowing from the surrounding islands. And above, there was a crevice which seemed to pour essence onto the temple, itself. They could somehow sense it was from Lignum Harmonia, but had no idea how it was actually connected. Perhaps once inside, the answers would become clear. Of course, The Dark One almost made the mistake of flying off of the bridge before his shimmering counterpart stopped him - figuring that because they were not of this world, they would be unable to fly as they were meant to, hover off into the spacious oblivion above, or even plummet into the endless desert below. Something about it felt off, and she had no actual desire to come into contact with the mysterious sand.

Trusting his dearest friend, The Dark One agreed, and the two trotted down the long, almost narrow pathway leading to the clockwerk temple. In a hurry they may have been, neither were unwilling to neglect the beautiful sights surrounding them. The isles pouring their beautiful essence as waterfalls, while exotic, and alien birds flew around them in small, and often large flocks. The golden orb that actually seemed to be a sun was also an amazing view. Both could sense magic was behind its existence, and wondered if Avalor himself was responsible. A half an hour passed before they finally made it to the gates, though no before having a brief encounter with a golden mare with wings, and a horn with an ethereal mane, donning time-themed armor.





Sensing the nature of The Dark One, she almost attacked him, thinking he was an evil force bent on harming the sacred temple. The Bright One stood in his defence, calling the creature resembling her on her belligerent ignorance, which both surprised and flattered The Dark One as he stood by her side, promising not to harm the equine entity whose powers might be close to theirs, should she choose to attack. The mare was quite confused, and unsure of what to do, until a familiar voice echoed in their minds like a presence. Avalor cleared up that these were the Elder Gods he had saved, and welcomed into the temple. They were no threat, and were to be treated as guests. Though she was still confused, the mare nonetheless trusted her master's judgement, and apologized for her foolishness. Both gods accepted it, and were given passage into the temple, casting a final, friendly glance to the mare, before the doors closed, and left them in a darkened hall. One filled with dimly lit wisps of blue light atop numerous torches, as massive pillars lined up along the walls. In between the pillars were large, dragon statues similar to the Elder Gods true forms, but not. Not that it truly helped them, anyway, seeing as how they had no means of truly knowing where they needed to go.

But finally, after so much walking, a pathway moving vertically to their right lead to a door that pulled open to reveal another wondrous sight that shined with, where the majestic visage of Avalor stood at the front to introduce this domain.

"Welcome, friends, to the Sacrum Cor Aeternitatis."
> The Secrets of Harmony's Past, and Anarchy's Future
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------





Such grand architecture, and beauty!

Both Dark and Bright one could not help but grow in amazement at the sight of this massive chamber, with nine crystals in the edge of a large sigil on the floor. Which surrounded the ethereal tree that sat in the middle of a platform fueled by the Sacred Tree's essence pouring from above. This trees branches clung to the roof where the essence was held, and absorbed the energy-converted substance, as its light shines throughout the room, and its power reaches into the shaft below, which the platform's central pillar reached to the bottom of. The center of the tree, however, was gone. The trunk almost seemed as though it had dissolved by a deep, blue energy field that filled its center. Yet, like everything else, they sensed there was more to it than appearances suggest.

The Dark One was the first to ask what all of this was. Avalor acted like he was surprised, but seemed coy in his enjoyment in the near childlike wonder of the beings who are supposed to be older than him. Funny how often irony works, isn't it? That was a thought kept to himself, before telling them that if they wanted to know more, then they need only follow him across the root-bridge, and gaze into the blue aura of the tree. Of course, being as enraptured by the sights around them, they certainly couldn't decline the offer. Once across the branching bridge, they both were able to see a deep, navy aura surrounding the area intended to be the trunk. At first, neither of them could see anything inside. Just an expanse of blue Quintessence, which was what Avalor referred to essence as when in energy form. However, that changed when the elk's horns lit up with magic, a hologram of a rune appeared at the bottom of his hoof, and upon placing it on the small crystal embedded in a dial between the roots, something emerged out of the Quintessence.

Something that, like the hollow tree, dwarfed all of the company in sheer size.





So many orbs on a bizarre mechanism. One of the few things mortals had created that The Bright One often told Dark One about. He also had a curiosity for this "technology", but this was by far different from what he thought of. The Greater Sun stood in the middle, surrounded by all these variously sized orbs that he recognized as planets. But not just planets: the celestial bodies they orbited, or orbited around them, or simply traveled through the depths of space. The answer had become all too clear.

They were looking upon an automatically rotating scale model of the mortal universe.

Ever curious Bright One asked what this was, and what it was really for. Avalor himself couldn't help but chuckle, and quip in good jest how the two being meant to be older than the universe - and himself - still knew so little. He asked both if ever they actually gazed upon the heavens through which they traveled, instead of simply journeying around. Everything in the Heavens of their universe could all be found here, in what was called "The Orrery", taking almost all of the room's space as it spun, and rotated in its clockwise motions. Moving as the Heavens themselves move. However, it was forged for the purpose of knowing when it would flow, and foretell of any cosmic events to come - even warn when the universal balance was disrupted. Suns, moons, stars, comets, meteor, black holes, and planets. The Orrery is the angle of Eternity, allowing for Avalor to keep a weather eye on all of creation.

For while Lugnum Harmonia is an anchor, holding all of Space together, Sacrum Aeternitas was the governor of Time. The Orrery helps Avalor know whenever something monumental, or catastrophic happens in the universe. And yet it was only the second half of it. After calling on another sigil in his hoof, which he referred to as a Travel Rune, the image of the very room they stood upon, which revealed numerous gates surrounding them - nine in all - leading to differing locations throughout this domain. He set the sequence, and the image of the bridged platform, to land in front of the one that bore the image of an hourglass. The key was set, and turned, the bridge rescinded into the platform, which turned in a complete circle, before the essence-made bridge formed in front of the very door on the podium. The Orrery Suddenly arose to level with the crystal in the center of the door, and the planetary orbs themselves repositioned themselves in perfect alignment. The Greater Sun shined with the white light of Lignum Harmonia itself, and channeled this light through all of the spheres into a single focal point. A beam of concentrated magic opened the lock surrounding the enchanted, iron gate, and allowed passageway.

Now, after the ray dissipated, Avalor guided the Elder Gods to that same door. The Bright One asked if such flare was really necessary to open a magical door, if that's what it was. Granted, she was amazed by the display of mystical  power, but the process seemed a bit intricate. Avalor, however, made it explicitly clear that it was indeed a necessary precaution. For within these sacred halls, lies an even greater power than anything they could have imagined. He asked if they recalled him telling them of his purpose being the guardian of the Sacred Tree, and the Temple of Time, to which they replied yes. As they passed through an ivory, ribbed passageway, he explained that those were only small parts of his duty. His true reason for existence in this realm between realms was to protect the massive object, standing before them past the final doorway.

An artifact of unparalleled power over Time.




There, at the end of a looping-ringed floor as smooth as marble, with keys linked together as one spinning round, and around without end, was an hourglass of abnormal size. Styled similarly to all in the room, yet much grander than one would think at first glance. Once again, The Dark, and Bright One could sense tremendous power coming from this seemingly simple object. It held great significance in the cosmos.....and it somehow connected to them on a spiritual level.

Avalor called it "Clepsy'Duntur", The Cronus Sphere. Inside its eternally sealed cases were held the Eternal Sands of Destiny. This cosmic artifact was the source of Time, itself. With it, one would hold the power to reshape all of reality by reshaping the course of history in any way seen fit. And event which originally occurs? Can be drawn back to before it occurred, and set on a new course of history. The young can be made old, and the aged can regain their youth by the whim of whoever utilizes it. Even moreso is the Cronus Sphere's ability to reverse time itself, or accelerate it. With this, one can hold absolute control over Fate, itself. But only being of incredible, nigh-omnipotent power could utilize it. Aside from Avalor, only the Bahamut could utilize this artifact.

There is was: Bahamut. That alone was enough to obtain the curiosity of The Bright One. It was here she finally asked the question to which neither she, nore her beloved Dark One had answers to: what is a Bahamut. Avalor himself almost seemed surprised by this question, if only because he figured that they would have at least known their own species. But no: the dark one explained that all they knew was they were Light, creation, and life, and Darkness, death and Destruction given form, and sentience. It was all the two of them had ever needed to know, and it's all they actually did know. Though they admitted that each of them wished at least a little to know of their heritage. Most fortunate it was that they were saved by Avalor: because with him, and The Chronus Sphere, they could finally see, and learn what it means to be Bahamut, also known as The Elder Gods.

Tapping into the Cronus Sphere's power, the ancient stag began showing the duo an image of history rewinding itself. All of time itself began reverting to ages past - before The two Bahamut of Light and Darkness themselves were born. Before even the universe itself was born. In a flash of incredible light that overtook the room, all three were taken in ethereal form to the very beginning. To the time before time. Like in the universe they exist in now, there was only nothingness. The Source of All there was, Harmonia, was merely abstraction. Then, one day, in an immense burst of light, it expanded into something entirely new. By the will of the Source, itself, the aspect named Harmonia gave life to an entire universe. And in time, becoming Lignum Harmonia itself to act as the anchor which held all of creation together. Its other half, Sacrum Aeternitas, came into being to hold Time itself together, and work in unison with Lignum Harmonia to ensure all of existence remained whole in The Balance of Creation.

Much like their own, a universe that preceded their own began in Darkness, but then emerged Light - light AND harmony. And from this essence came the First Race. Beings of nigh omnipotent power that embodied the aspects of existence. There was fire, with Ice and Crystal together as one. There was also Earth, Water, Air, Metal, and Lightning. And every last one of these creatures were unique in appearance, and persona. But, the Bright and Dark One could easily sense kinship from these entities, all because they confirm who they were just by sensing it from them. THESE were the Bahamut, also known as Elder Gods. Grand, and intriguing as they were, Avalor soon revealed that they were only the tip to the claws. For while they may have seen seven of the Bahamut Clans who shaped, and formed the universe into what it was, there was a final species and clan who stood above them all. They were actually the inhabitants of the world Bright and Dark One found themselves summoned to: The Sacred Realm of Avalon. They were the guardians of Lignum Harmonia, who lay hidden WITHIN the world of Avalon, safe from the outer reaches of the universe, and the forces that would seek to harm The Source Tree of Harmony, and The Sacred Temple of Eternity, who housed the newly forged Cronus Sphere. Here existed the final three clans of Bahamut who protected the heart of all creation in their universe: the Bahamut of Space and Time who kept a watchful eye over The Cronus Sphere, and ensured history stayed its course as it was destined.

Then there was the tenth clan, who guarded over both, and ruled over all the other clans, and lived in Avalon, itself, with whom The Bright One felt the strongest connection. For they were exactly like her in what their ultimate purpose was. These were the Elder Gods of Light, Creation, and Life. But Avalor explained that these Bahamut had another name for their race, which was translated to "Winged Guards of Light."

The Archangels.

And they most certainly were bright, and beautiful like she was. The Dark One easily saw where she got her beauty, and regality from. But something began bothering him. According to Avalor, and The Chronus Sphere, there were only Ten Clans of Bahamut in existence. But how does that explain his own existence, exactly? This was where things grew more serious, as he explained that there WERE once Bahamut who embodied everything he did. But he was the black sheep in that fold, because of the nature of these Bahamut. The elder stag asked if they knew of the Sins of Mortal Kind. Both admitted that they did, for better or worse. Well, as it happens, mortals were not the only beings with souls who could succumb to the corruption of these sins. Even the Bahamut were vulnerable to these dark aspects. But above all of them, there was sin that was the most evil, and destructive as it brought only ruin, and suffering to those affected by it. 

This was the sin of Hatred: and it was hatred that gave rise to the cursed Eleventh rave of the Bahamuts. If they could be described as gods, then any who ever succumb to their own Hatred, risked allowing Darkness to corrupt them. Before The Dark One could make a dispute, Avalor explained that he agreed that Darkness itself was not evil: it was those who gave into the temptation, and desire for power The Darkness offered that gave it such harsh reputation. For Darkness is power unto itself, exactly as Light is also power. And either could lead to corruption. But for Bahamuts, it was different. If the darkness born of Hate took hold of them, then they would be forever changed into something evil, and wicked. Something that gave into its primal urges, and obsessive desire for power. And they inevitably learned that Essence, the life blood of all things and the conduit of the mortal soul - or immortal - was the greatest source of power imaginable. Thus these nigh omnipotent devils became known, and feared for hunting down, and consuming the essence of all who existed.

That was what it means to be Djinn.

And from all clans came the Djinn. There was no limit to how many could be born, or from what race they could emerge. Any Bahamut could become a Djinn..........who were the embodiments of Darkness, Destruction, and Death. Something which brought great pain to The Dark One's heart. Is he truly one of these unholy abominations? He always respected the balance of creation, and worked with the Bright One to ensure the balance was maintained because he understood what Darkness, Destruction, and Death's purpose was. These Djinn were just simple advocates of anarchy, and the opposite of what he himself stood for. And yet........could be possible he actually was one of them? That he held the potential to become like them? He no longer knew, and for the first time, after seeing what ultimately was his own kind, it made him feel an emotion he only felt when The Bright One was about to be struck down in their battle with the Malzalam: fear. The fear of becoming one of them, and corrupting his own purpose. That was something he couldn't ever live with, and he didn't want to.........but now it seemed all too possible.

Until he felt the warm sensation of his friend rubbing into his side in a gentle nuzzle.

Seeing her, and her concern for him warmed his heart. She could tell he was feeling conflicted about himself after this revelation. And now, all she wanted was for him to understand that as long as she was around, she would never let him slip down that road. He was the pure darkness, the one who destroyed when it was time, and who not simply brought death - he also ensured that those who joined it returned to the Aetherium when they expired. For the Aetherium is the life blood of the Cosmic Source, and where all life comes from. Thus, when they die, they go back to the Aetherium so that they may be reborn in a new life. That was part of the natural order of existence, and by instinct alone he understood it, even after he was just born. And he taught her what it meant to represent Creation, Life, and The Light. The six aspects exist, and coincide to bring balance to their universe. Thus did the two Elder Gods need each other to ensure they keep each other in check, and work together as they were destined to.

It also helped that the two were beginning to realize how they were ascending beyond mere friends, and this moment only further cemented that they had indeed fallen in love. In fact, The Bright One was first to admit it as she held her beloved in her feathered wings, and rubbed into his chest. And he admitted it as well as he looked into her eyes with a bright smile, and rubbed muzzles with her as well. The two held each other in a winged embrace for some time, making Avalor smile gently at the display, and declaration.......but his smile went away when he considered the prophecy that would soon be revealed. And he feared how they would react to what he was about to show them next. In fact, as soon as they broke off their embrace, they asked what happened after the Djinn began appearing, and how the other Bahamut dealt with them. Avalor considered them perceptive, as there was indeed more to tell.

But he warned them both that what they were about to see was NOT for the faint of heart: for they were about to watch was how the universe of today came into being.........when the one they observed met its end in The Last Great War of Light and Darkness. an event recorded in the archives of Sacrum Aeternitas as "Ragnarok".

As it happens, the Bahamut and Djinn only clashed in tangent with the worlds the latter endangered. While the Ten Clans were wide-spread, and each of them were able to stand against the Djinn on their own, they were still dangerously powerful. Which is also why the Archangels hunted them down, and ensured they never rose again. For they not only feed on essence: they also feed on the aspects of Hatred, and Fear. Enough of any, and the Djinn can become a terrible, and powerful threat. Thankfully, they were all too wild, and rogue natured to ever utilize their numbers, and power in such a way. But that all changed when the Djinn were actually summoned by a primordial force. A force that came into existence at the same time as Harmonia. While Harmonia was the primordial force of Harmony, and Light who took the form of Lignum Harmonia to serve as a conduit between the living, and cosmic Source. But as is universal law, there is an opposite force to every force in existence. And in Harmonia's case, that opposite was the first, true Djinn who was the primordial force of Anarchy, and Darkness.

His name was Apophis, The Emperor of Darkness and All-Father of Monsters/Djinn





Supposedly, he existed before even Harmonia, and ruled over an entire universe of emptiness. The day Harmonia burst into life, and brought Harmony and Light, was the day he had created a nemesis for himself. For Harmony, and Light were the forces that weakened him. He hated the light, and the harmony which spread across reality because it brought a positivity that harmed his essence, which was pure negativity. Long had he sought to end Harmonia, or rather Lignum Harmonia, and return the cosmos to his rule of Darkness - but ever was he opposed by The Archangels, and repelled. Things changed, however, when he sensed the anger, and hatred that rose in the cosmos. It fueled him like no other force had before, and he found that he, in turn, could influence these emotions to an extent. But mortals were insufficient, when there was much greater prey to feast upon. Thus he began influencing the Bahamut, as well, and giving rise to the nefarious Djinn who embody hate, and spread fear. More than enough to make him grow strong. Strong enough to finally wage open war against his opposite. And thus, it was time to gather his monstrous children to him.

The worst of the abominable Fallen were those who had once been Archangels, themselves. Seven among them in particular had become something far more than any simple Djinn. These avatars of Darkness were Rage, Anger and Hatred incarnate, whose power over shadow rivaled their malevolent flames. They had become demon that had only been believed to exist in the realm of Middle-Earth, Arda, and Ea together in the same universe. Now, this universe had been given the curse of enduring the existence of the mightiest, and most terrifying of demons.

The Balrogs.

(Ignore the figure in the throne behind the group)

Their leader, Grothmor, was an especially ruthless, and powerful Djinn-Balrog who knew the art of war, and combat more than many of the other primal, and savage Djinn in their species ranks.


In time, the Djinn's number grew to nightmarish length, and they had become an army to rival that of the Archangels. So much anger, so much hatred in the hearts of these omnipotent beings. What a feast it was for the evil Apophis. An abundance of corruption that mere mortals could NEVER have provided in even a single century. And the fear these Djinn instilled as they terrorized the universe was simply to die for. Needless to say, Apophis had laid claim to the spoils of such negative essence, and it was more than he could have ever dreamed. His power had reached its Zenith, and his children had grown in power and number.

It was time to end the Age of Harmony, and Light.

But he would require a form that was more suited for combating his enemies. A physical form that would be fueled by his immense, new power, and would make him the first Bahamut of the Darkness. An elder god whose purpose is to consume, and end all life, and light in existence. The balrogs themselves inspired the creation of the form he would take which would crush the Archangels, and any Bahamut that stood in his way. In time, he devised the ultimate, perfect form for his conquest, and domination of Avalon. A dragonian form that would make all tremble in fear, and all of the worlds quake. And all would be swallowed by the darkness........in the shadow of his wings. For now, Apophis would truly embody the aspect of Darkness, Death and Destruction.

He had become  The One, True World-Breaker, and Devourer of Light.





Thus began the Great War that saw the entire universe brought into chaos, and anarchy. The Bright and Dark One were both horrified to see how this evil, abominable demon destroyed the very balance the Bahamut were sworn to protect. For The Dark One especially, it was unnerving to see a distorted version of himself leading the hordes of darkness, and hell on such a coordinated warpath. Moreso when he killed the Elder King of the Archangels, which inevitably escalated the war to heights unimaginable, until eventually.........the Djinn launched a direct assault on Avalon. It was very fortunate that this was in the past, because it pained The Bright One to see them tear, and burn at the beautiful forests that surrounded the land.  Worst of all was that it was done for amusement. As was the killing of any unfortunate mortals caught in their path. But time was wasting, and the dark horde had a target. The place in Avalon they sought was its great, and mighty kingdom. A city built upon a mountain, with a castle at the very top. Its most defining features were both the long, and straight causeway leading to the watchtower of the kingdom, and The White Tower that stood in tis center. Even for a Bahamut, this city was of godly stature. For an invading force, who knew that this kingdom was the gateway meant to guard the entrance to Lignum Harmonia, itself, the castle that held the tower would be misleading. Because, much like a gate, it hid the true entrance to The Sourcetree of harmony behind it in the forested region upon the cliffside of the mountain the city was built upon. A fact that made The bright, and dark one wonder if they were actually in that region, and the forest there had simply grown more colossal over time. Does that mean the  mysterious city was still there? If so, they never had a chance to see it.

Not until now, when Apophis, and his horde emerged from their path of destruction to a grand field of green, and life. And there, standing like a massive beacon of purity, strength, and heart was The Sacred City. The home of the Archangels, and the gateway to the hidden realm of Sacrum Aeternitas. A seat of power for those who wield the light, and bastion against all this who would dare seek harm upon the treasured realm. It would be here that the fate of all existence would hang in the balance and the final conflict would be waged.

Here, in Minas Mor'Caeli.




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To be continued