Audience With The Goddess

By Yurie

Note: This story features characters belonging to Docwolph. Clio and the city of Kes’a’Rene is © Yurie. All other characters are © their respective owners. Please do not distribute without permission.

The city Kes’a’rene glowed in the sunlight, both from its crystalline buildings and from the seemingly infinite amount of precious water that flowed through the numerous fountains, canals and features scattered throughout the city. Surrounded by a gigantic lake (one could almost call it a sea) of fresh water which, in turn, was encompassed by a great green forest of plants and tall, tall trees, the city wouldn’t be out of place on Wave World, the home of the Mystic League.

However, this wasn’t Wave World. This was Casiida. To the barren world, with its stretches of parched savanna and wide deserts, the risen City of Water and Light seemed almost like a piece of heaven made manifest in reality. The water alone was worth more than any natural resource on this planet. The newly grown forest, with its exotic fruits, rare woods and the once-extinct animals in its bowers would be worth a king’s ransom. Even the city itself was a prize, an elegant jewel floating silently in the middle of the lake, seemingly carved from cloudy diamond by the very forces of the planet itself, its many spires reaching high into the sky above. To the unenlightened, the city and its green surroundings seemed unguarded, unprotected, almost as though it was waiting for someone to come and take it.

However, Sato and Roen Hima knew better. Only an idiot, a madman or a god would dare to enter this demesnes with hostile intent, and all three would be rebuffed by the being who lived in Kes’a’Rene’s highest spire, the same one they were here to see.

Clio of Sentholu.

Sato and Roen stood there quietly atop one of the ridges overlooking the once-flat plain the city sat in, a plain once home to the spire of Pryde Rock. Both brothers were accomplished sorcerers and deity-level warriors in their own right, and even they were stunned by the enormity of what stood before them.

“The images don’t do it justice.” Roen muttered under his breath.

“No, no they don’t…” Sato replied, shaking his head. Both Roen and Sato could sense the vast power held within that city. A vast power emanating from the slender spike of blue-white light jutting from the central tower. A grand nexus, a juncture of numerous powerful ley lines, sat square underneath that city. The architecture of the city was a work of geomantic genius, reinforcing and concentrating the nexus’s power many times over, to the point that the power of the nexus actually manifested itself in the spire of light hanging over the city like the sword of a god. Or, in this case, a ‘goddess‘.

“Just when I thought it couldn’t be any worse. Clio just happened to pull this place up right underneath one of the biggest points of etheric power on this entire planet.” Sato sighed, folding his hands underneath the slats of his robe, a tiny shiver running up his spine. “No wonder she has such a big head about all this. She has access to all that energy, on top of what she already has.”

“Oh no, I’d imagine Clio had nothing to do with its positioning,” stated the third member of Roen and Sato’s little group, not without a little bit of wistful humor. The titan of a lion smiled at the brothers as they turned to face him. “Kes’a’rene always was an incredible piece of work, even before it was hidden. If I remember correctly, it was designed with this place in mind. I have to admit, I’m a little impressed it’s in such good condition.”

“Still doesn’t change the fact that it’s here and under Clio’s control.” Roen snorted. It was still a shock, walking with Roari, the Hero of Casiid. Shocking, and a little unnerving, as both he and Sato knew what Roari was, and what he could do. The Neo-Ceknyurian was above and beyond anything even they could do, but that wasn‘t what was so unnerving. Roari didn‘t feel quite ‘real’, so to speak. His mane was darker than it should be, his muscles looked harder than they should look, his eyes were deeper than anything had a right to be, his scent was indescribable, and his very presence was like a gentle weight on the fabric of reality around him. Even Roen was surprised that Roari had wanted to come with them…

=======

“You really think we should go, brother?”

Sato grumbled, pacing back and forth in the palatable tent they had set up. The other delegates had already left, returning to their respective Prydes and organizations with news and information. He, like the other delegates, had been stunned by Eqis’s pronouncement. Even afterwards, it was still ringing in his ears, like the tolling of some vast bell.

“Sato?”

Sato jumped as he felt Roen’s hand on his shoulder. He smiled weakly at Roen as he turned.

“Sorry, I was lost in thought. But yes, we have to go. If only to see what Clio is capable of, and to tell her the circumstances as they stand…” Sato shook slightly, then resumed pacing, his tail slashing the air behind him.

“Including Eqis, I assume.”

Sato blinked and stopped, turning to Roen.

“Brother, you’ve been pacing ever since the meeting. Believe me, I know you’re nervous. You’re not exactly hiding it very well.”

“It’s that obvious?”

“Yes, it is.” Roen smiled faintly. “And to be honest, I don’t blame you. You’re not the only one who got shaken up by Eqis’s announcement. The other delegates are no doubt worried as to what she’ll do.”

“I know. We’re stuck between a possible tyrant and a self-proclaimed goddess.” Sato sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “It’s like fate has it in for this planet.”

“Well now, I doubt he has anything planned for our home.”

The brothers stood stock still as Roari stepped into the tent, his massive presence instantly filling the tent, a small smile on his lips.  “But then again, I can’t vouch for that.”

“I thought you had already went home with Eqis, your…lordship.” Roen gulped slightly. Roen was rarely at a loss for what to say, but when you’re confronted with a legend made flesh, one whose tales you had heard and read about, you tend to lose a little bit of your eloquence. “Doesn’t she need your guidance while she trains?”

Roari made a slight dismissive gesture, then shrugged. “My daughter’s quite capable of working on her own. She’s remarkably self sufficient.“ There was a hint of paternal pride in his voice. “Besides, she knows how to talk to me if she needs me. Actually, I’m quite curious about this girl, Clio of Sentholu. I do hope you two don’t mind if I tag along.”

“Of course not!” Sato quickly replied as Roen began to open his mouth. “You’re more than welcome to accompany us, your lordship.”

Roari chuckled softly, his voice seeming to echo just a bit to much. “I’m looking forward to seeing what Gesiomagatou’s plans have created.”

==========

Sunlight filtered down through the thick canopy of greenery above Sato, Roen and Roari’s heads, limiting the heat from the day thanks to the shade. All around them, once-extinct birds chirped and twittered. Small, jewel-colored birds flitted from blossoms, spreading pollen and drinking nectar as they twittered and chirped. Small furry animals peeked from the tree branches with large, glowing eyes, observing the three lions making their way through the cleared path through the jungle. All around them, life flourished in all its resplendent colors.

Sato’s tail twitched as he walked, the scents of the plants and the animals filling his nostrils. The olfactory stimulation wasn’t what interested him, however. His magical senses were alive and buzzing as he made his way along the path. The entire forest was infused with mystical energy. Everything, the plants, the fruit, the animals even the very air around them, was filled with the cerulean radiance of magic to his senses.

He shook his head. Clio’s power had a propensity for rubbing off on people. If every ounce of power in this forest had a connection to her, then the results would be impressive, to say the least.

“Halt!”

The three gold lions stopped as the voice shouted. A quartet of white lions trotted down the pathway, coming to a halt and blocking the pathway, four abreast.

Sato and Roen’s eyebrows went up in unison. The four males were impressive, to say the least. They were on the younger side, but each were surprisingly tall and broad, their thick, heavy muscles rippling underneath their white fur. The four could easily rival some male members of the Power’d League in mass. One had the mane and beard of a lion, while the other three possessed black stripes along their fur. All four were garbed in similar style: a thick leather terre around their waist, and a leather cuirass covering their chest.

What concerned Sato were the weapons they were carrying. They looked like traditional Casiid hunting spears, with their broad, triangular blades and the wicked, harpoon-like barb emanating from one side of the blade.. However, they were much more solidly constructed, from an odd, ash-gray wood, and the small crystal at the opposite end of the spear glimmered ominously. The blade glittered, blue-white St. Elmo’s fire running along the edges as they stood their at a amateur ‘ready’ stance, blades pointed directly towards their opponents, their tails twitching nervously.

“W-who are you?” one managed to bark out after a brief moment of silence sounding slightly nervous. “What is your purpose here?”

Roen raised his hands slowly, Sato quickly following suit. “Peace, peace. I am Roen of Pryde Hima. This is my brother, Sato of Pryde Hima. Our friend is Roari of Pryde Deos. We wish to speak with your Queen.”

That made them pause. They looked amongst each other, whispering softly to each other, wary eyes not leaving the golden lions. Even they, former slaves, had heard of the Hima Pryde, and especially of Roari. Sato watched calmly, his hands still raised, as they discussed whatever it was they were discussing amongst themselves, before they fell silent for a moment, then nodded as one. One stepped forwards, seeming to be the leader of the bunch.

“You…um…” He coughed, then inhaled, thrusting his chest out to look larger and more confidant. “You come with us. We will escort you to the city to see if your claims are true.”

===========

Clio sat quietly amongst the cushions in her sanctum, a wide, crystalline model of the city and its surrounding environment glistening before her on the table, the structures glowing as holographic lines indicated the flow of water and etheric energy wove an intricate web of light. She sipped from her saucer of tea, enjoying a brief moment of peace as she watched a trio of blue lights make their way towards the south-eastern gate of the model city.

One ear perked as a figure emerged smoothly from the nearby wall. The figure was tall,  androgynous but slightly feminine, a muscular being of indeterminable breed or race. Its skin was like smooth marble, cut through with lines of gold and crystal, which outlined her dense musculature and formed a covering of sorts. Its tail swished slowly as it stepped forwards, stopping just short of Clio’s left side.

“My Queen?”

“Yes, Dana?” Clio purred as she sipped again from her saucer. Danamadin was one of her most loyal servants. Once, Dana had been the keeper of a dimensional prison for a demon lord named Dante. However, due to a series of events in which Clio’s intervened, Dana was freed of her duties and now served as Clio’s subordinate, as her link to the element of Earth allowed her to monitor the city’s stone and crystal structures as well as the surrounding agriculture.

“One of the watch groups is currently escorting a group of Gold lions to the city.”

“I don’t believe so, ma’am. They seem to want to speak with you.”

“Ah…I was wondering when they might show up.”

“My Queen?” Dana blinked.

“Have the guards escort them to the outer gate of the city. I’ll dispatch one of the Saints to meet them.”

“I would suggest the brothers Shah and Hadah…”

“No, they’re busy with Ri. I’ll send Thòra. She has seniority over the others. Continue to monitor them, Dana.”

“As you will, my Queen.” Dana bowed, then melted smoothly into the floor beneath her. Clio nodded quietly to herself, waving a hand over the model of the city, causing it to smoothly retract into the table. She turned, and vanished as well. She had guests to receive, after all.

============

The city was even bigger up close.

A gentle breeze whispered along the grass as Sato and company approached the bridge leading to the city. It was baroque in design, made of  smooth, cool white stone and easily a hundred or so meters from edge to edge. The barriers on either side were about hip-height, also of the same smooth white stone and studded at regular intervals with gently glowing outcroppings of crystal.

All around them were members of Clio’s ‘pryde.’ Some were carrying bushels of fruit, some were fishing off the side of the bridge. Cubs ran along, mewling and screaming cheerfully as they played. A few didn’t pay much mind, but several turned to look with wary eyes at he ‘visitors’ as they were escorted along. Sato had seen such eyes before. They were the eyes of former slaves who were still getting used to freedom. Former slaves that now served under a God Queen of her own little kingdom.

“It’s interesting how they start whispering amongst themselves after we pass by.” Roen whispered in Sato’s ear “I’m surprised they’re not scattering as we approach.”

“Clio’s presence keeps them at ease, like a mother hen watching over her chicks.” Sato murmured under his breath. “Or perhaps like the matriarch of a titan beast herd watching her calves. Look at them all.”

Roen nodded in agreement. Every single member of the pryde that they passed was a prime physical specimen. Both genders were massive, thick and strong with muscle, the females only slightly smaller than the males. Even the cubs were muscular and strong. If he didn’t know better, Sato would have thought that he had stepped into a resort for League members and their children.

Of course, the traditional Casiidan lack of modesty also allowed Sato a good eyeful of the other changes. The females would have done a Nurse lioness proud, their chests large and firm and quite bouncy. The males would have been prime breeding stock if they were still enslaved, so large were their manhood. Sato even felt a slight pang of envy at one or two of the more…impressive examples.

What in Aul’s name was Clio doing to her people?

===========

It had been ages since Roari had stood outside the gates of Kes’a’rene, the glorious City of Water and Light. True, he had seen even grander spectacles in his long, long life, especially after he had become a Neo-Ceknyurian. Even his personal domain could have rivaled, nay, exceeded the grand city in beauty. However, his home lacked that certain sense of serenity and nostalgia that Kes’a’rene’s architecture possessed.

Take the gate, for example. The gate was carved, like the other buildings, from a solid piece of living crystal that shimmered iridescently when the light hit it just right. It arched upwards, high over head in a careful parabola, a large, eye-like green gem set at the apex of the arch. The text of warding spells were carved in the ancient Casiidan language all along the outside and inside of the archway, providing a potent block to any hostile force that would try to enter the city. And if that didn’t stop them, the gem would unleash any number of baleful effects on any would-be attacker.

However, there was something different in the air than he remembered. Yes, there was the familiar scent of fresh water and stone, the faint and indescribable smell of magic. But there was less smell of life. No familiar scents of markets and merchants. Of dust tracked in from long travels. It was as though the city had been washed clean when it had arose.

He also didn’t recognize the scent of the female standing in the center of the archway. Unlike the others they had passed, she was sleek and graceful, tall enough to loom over the other femmes. Her fur was shock white, with gray tear tracks of a cheetah running along her cheeks. However, she lacked the traditional rosettes of the breed. Perhaps she was a hybrid? Unlike the others that he had seen, this one’s indigo eyes were calm and confident, her  hands behind her back, her stance that of one who is used to being respected or feared.  Blue-purple veils fell over her ears and draped over either shoulder, coming together between her legs, held in place by delicate seeming bands of black metal. He recognized the style and cut of the outfit, a favored one of the high priests of the city so long ago. As the three approached, she gracefully bowed, arms spread outwards.

“Welcome to our city, honored guests of my Queen. I am Thòra, servant of the city.” Her voice had a husky, almost touchable quality to it. She nodded to the five guards, waving them along and past her.

“Thòra, the Old Casid word for ‘tolerance of change‘. A curious moniker, but fitting for one of the Saints.” Roari smiled as the Saint blinked. She must be new to her post.

“Correct, my lord.” She recovered quickly, then nodded. “I’ve been sent to escort you three to the Spire. Please, follow me.”

===========

The sound of water was everywhere at once.

Roen looked around bemusedly as they followed the ‘Saint’ through the streets of the city. Everywhere they went, the walls and roads seemed slick with moisture. At every intersection of every road there was a small fountain, some functioning, some somewhat broken and in disrepair. Every building seemed grown and pruned from the smooth, cloudy stone, some only a story or two, some three or four stories, and some, like the great towers looming overhead, reached up towards the sky. Elegant aqueducts stretched in a web between the eight towers that surrounded the central spire. Every so often drops of water would land about them from those aqueducts, even as slender rivulets spiraled along the outer edges of the towers. Here and there, white furred citizens, intermixed with the occasional ‘lesser species,’ such as a cheetah or leopard, were hard at work on this  project or that project, mending what seemed to be damage from the city’s long disuse.

“So, Thòra is it? Exactly what is your position as a ‘saint’? Does this mean your Queen is also a goddess, like her followers proclaim?”

Thòra remained silent for a moment as she walked, before she responded.

“What my Queen’s people choose to call her is their own business. Many here view here as a goddess, a living representative of the planet. I simply see her as my Queen. As to my purpose, I am her subordinate, one of seven loyal enough to serve her directly. My title of saint has nothing to do with my holiness or anything else. It is simply a title, nothing more.”

“Which is true.” Roari interjected, breaking his silence once again. “The saints were the personal servants of the lords of this city, their bodyguards and lieutenants.”

“You seem to know a good deal about this place, milord.” Thòra murmured under her breath.

Roari shrugged slightly as Sato and Roen turned to glance at him. “The city has a particular significance to me. Walking through it like this brings back fond memories.” He smiled faintly as they began to approach the central spire.

The spire loomed high above them, casting a sundial-like shadow over them. Blue light seemed to ripple through the cloudy stone, almost like the water that surrounded the city. A palpable sense of weight surrounded the towering structure, mixed with a sense of rightness in the world, as though the tower itself recognized its existence.  Smooth, wide stairs, dais like, lead up to the entrance to the tower, a wide, open space without a door.

The courtyard beyond the entrance of the tower was grand, a single room easily a hundred meters long and wide and tall, the high vaulted ceilings seemingly creating their own clouds,, all of it shot through with sunlight and the curious blue radiance from the walls. The floor was smooth and the color of the sky. A single great fountain, easily a dozen meters in diameter, spiked up from the smooth stone, carved figures pouring water from their jars into the pool below. What was more curious was the man cylinders of water, spaced haphazardly across the surface. All of the cylinders did not fall down as one would expect; some seemed to spiral upwards into the ceiling, the water defying gravity as it did so. All in all, it was a majestic sight to behold.

Thòra waved them on, leading them over to one upwardly flowing column of water. The fluid parted, revealing a wide circle within. Oddly, rather than being drenched, the inside was quite dry..

“Clever…” Sato rumbled as he glanced around, the curtain of water reforming, “The city’s water supply is also the conduit for the city’s etheric network. A fluid etheric power grid. Fascinating.”

“I’m glad our city is so interesting to you, Sato Hima. My Queen is thinking of allowing scholars to study its design, once the city is fully repaired and settled.” Thòra glanced upwards. The flowing water seemed to pause for a moment, then began to swirl rapidly around them, like a tornado. There was a sensation of rapid movement, similar to a lift in a modern building, though less intense and much smoother.

“Generous of her…” Roen murmured to his brother, causing Thòra’s ear to twitch slightly.

“My Queen is quite generous to everybody, even those she shouldn’t be.” The saint’s voice was as cool as ice as she replied. The waters around them continued to swirl upwards as they rose.

================

Sato could feel the radiation of energy before the water fell away with a splash. Thòra stepped away from them, approaching the open door before them. He almost missed hearing her announce them, his other senses were so blinded by the mystic energy gently swirling around them.

Beyond the archway they walked through was a grand, dome-like room. Blue and purple silk gently fluttered above them, catching the light above in curious ways as sunlight filtered down through the skylight. Large pillows, each one big enough to sit upon lay scattered haphazardly in every direction, the fabrics in cool greens, blues and violets. The room smelled of water and lavender and the odd scent of the crystal that made up the structure. Beyond the room was an opening to the outside, to the great overlook that hung over the city itself.

The sun seemed to shine brighter for a moment before Clio entered. Sato’s eyes widened, as he was sure Roen’s did as well.

Her footsteps seemed to echo like the sound of a waterfall in a cavern. What stood before them was as much a Casid as a Rae Iksaki was related to a Degddii Aphkei. She was fully nude, and her frame was grand, her muscles rippling gently under silver-blue fur and indigo stripes. Her shoulders were broad, her neck thick, her tail like a tree trunk. Her arms were like pillars and her legs like towers. Her breasts stood out proud from her broad chest  Her mane was like liquid lightning, glowing brilliantly as it fluttered along her back in an unseen wind. Forelocks of fur fluttered over her forearms like incandescent flame. Her eyes were like amethysts, glowing softly with an inner fire. All of this was topped by a pair of… well, they seemed like wings, but wings were physical. Great feathered wings made of blue light and pure etheric energy arched from her back, each feather glowing with its own light. Her tripartite halo hovered just above her head, each ring a crystalline work of art.

She smiled, then approached quickly, reaching out and gently taking Sato’s hands. “It’s so good to see you again Sato…Please! All of you! Come in, come in.” She smiled cheerfully, waving them inside. Thòra made a move to assist, but Clio gently waved her away.

“I’d imagine you’re all quite thirsty from your long walk. Let me fetch some tea, then we can talk.” She bustled off into one of the adjourning rooms before Sato could speak. He turned slightly as Roari chuckled softly under his breath.

“Cheerful young goddess, isn’t she?”

=============

Steam wafted slowly from the bowls of tea as Clio poured the water. The four of them had taken seats around a low, circular table, carefully seated upon large cushions. The only obvious sounds was the idle shifting of fur on cushions and the sound of water being poured for the tea. The bitter smell of the tea leaves wafted up as Clio idly stirred her saucer with her finger, taking a sip. No one spoke.

“…I suppose you’re not here for a social call, am I right?” Clio murmured over her saucer.

“You’d be right, unfortunately. I’m sure you’re well aware of the position that Casiida finds itself in?” Roen took a sip from his saucer, then gestured carefully with it. “The Supremacy will soon be open for challenge. Even now, I imagine that the Great Eleven are gathering in the capital. We’re here to see where you… stand on the matter.”

“My stand? So, this has nothing to do with the fact that you, along with many others, view me as a threat? I thought that that was the purpose of your tent meeting.”

Roen coughed on his tea as Sato sat up straighter. Roari, however, remained silent, simply watching.

“How did you…” Sato began, shock evident in his eyes before he swiftly recovered. “It doesn’t matter how you knew. Yes, you’re right. We do have certain concerns about your activities. Some are very trusting about some new... self proclaimed goddess running around. You have a lot of power Clio, we just want to make sure you’re not going to abuse it.”

“Abuse it.” Clio gave a soft snort. “Figures.”

“I’m sorry, but you have to understand…”

“No Sato, I’m pretty sure I already understand. However, I also don’t really care. What I do, I do for the good of all. Everything, the raising of this city, the spread of the green belt, the rivers, everything is for the good of all.”

“The good of all?” That raised Sato’s eyebrows.

“All. My main concern is bringing a halt to our people’s constant bloodshed and to revitalize the planet. As the soul of this planet, it’s my purpose to…”

“I don’t believe it.” Roen muttered. “You actually believe that tripe your worshipers support.”

There was a brief moment of silence.

“What?” Clio’s attention switched to Roen.

“You honestly believe that you’re the soul of the planet. Clio, me and my brother have known you for quite a while. You never seemed the sort to possess a messiah complex.”

“But it’s the truth.”

“And I’m the Emperor of the Aphkei.” Roen snorted.

“I’d believe her if I were you.” Roari rumbled, all three sets of eyes switching to him.

“You’re not serious.” Roen shook his head.

“I’m quite serious. What stands before us is the planet herself. Clio of Sentholu is what she claims to be.”

Sato and Roen looked at each other, then back at Roari.

“How can you be so sure?” They said, almost in concert.

Roari gave a gallant shrug, smiling faintly. “I just know… take my word for it.”

Sato grumbled deep in his throat at that. The other Prydes would love to hear about this little cryptic tidbit of information.

“Ahem.” Clio coughed, setting down her saucer. “If you’re concerned about my people, then let me explain. I have been trying to keep things from exploding, even here in this city. Only recently have things become calmer. Before that, my subjects were more than willing to go off on bloody-minded revenge hunts for those who wronged them.”

“So, how did you change their minds?” Roen sipped his tea.

“You’d be surprised how a few miracles can change people’s minds. Rather than let them take their pound of flesh, I gave them a quick solution to their losses, if possible. Lost family members, lost cubs, healing, rejuvenation…”

“A quick fix, then?”

“If you want, but a very lasting quick fix. Once their grievances were resolved, they became much less inclined to violence. And with the city in the state it’s in, work was quite plentiful, and I’m quite generous about compensation.”

“And their worshipping you as goddess?” Sato pointed with his saucer.

Clio shrugged. “There’s no real harm in it. I never declared myself a goddess, only that I represent the planet. ‘Gods and devils are born from the needs and strife of the populace.’”

“I don’t recognize the quote.” Roen murmured.

“It’s from a book that Sage lent me.”

“But it is a problem.” Sato interjected. “This whole idea of worship is ridiculous! At best, you’re setting yourself up as a petty goddess that panders to the people’s desires. At worst, it could set off a religious war!”

“It won’t get that far…” Clio began before Sato cut her off again.

“And even if that doesn’t happen, there’s still the possibility of civil war! You don’t understand Clio, the tigers view you as a symbol of their glory. They will return, and when they do, then Aul help the rest of the breeds.” Sato was becoming angry. “It will be a war to the fang and claw, the Tigers against everyone else!”

Clio remained silent, sipping her tea.

“And then there’s the Supremacy, and with that, Eqis.” Sato continued, standing, leaning over the table. “Even if you take the Supremacy by some miracle, Eqis will not be so willing to accept it. She’s willing to do anything to take power. ANYTHING! That‘s not assuming that your ascension do”

“That’s enough.” Sato blinked as Clio met his eyes… and locked with them. For some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to look away.

“I’m well aware of these things, Sato. I don’t need you to lecture me about the coming problems. As I said, those things will not reach that point. There will be no war, period.” There was a hardness in her eyes that made him flinch. “If the tigers view me as a symbol, fine. If people worship me, fine. I will correct these things in due time, and in a peaceful manner. As for the Supremacy,” she sighed, shaking her head, “if the Eleven choose me as Supreme, I will accept it. If they choose Eqis, I will accept it. If Eqis wishes to challenge me, then I won’t stand in her way.”

“…Clio, if Eqis challenges you, she will try to kill you. You do realize that, don’t you?” Roen set down his saucer. “And if you’re not serious about it, she will more than likely succeed.”

“I’m well aware of that.” She said with a note of finality. As she met Sato’s eyes once more. “But can she kill something like me? Doubtful.”

There was a flash of insight, a moment, an epiphany. Time seemed to freeze as Sato’s breath was driven from his chest for a moment as he saw the truth…

===============

==============

The second passed as Sato stared directly at Clio, shaking. Roen glanced towards him, moving quickly to his side.

“Sato? Sato, are you alright? Speak to me, come on…” Roen shook Sato by the shoulders gently. “What did you see?”

“You…you really are…” Sato stammered out.

Clio said nothing, but simply nodded.

“Roen…she is the planet…Roari was right…she is the planet…” Sato shook his head quickly, trying to clear the vision. “What…was that thing?”

“That was me as well…”

“Thing? What’re you talking about Sato? Clio, what did you do to him?” Roen turned to Clio, glaring…

“Nothing… I’m afraid he might have looked a bit to deeply with his other senses. I’m sorry.” She blushed for a moment. “I really am…shall we call this meeting adjourned for the time being, until Sato regains himself?”

Roen glanced from Sato, then to Clio, then nodded slowly… “Might be best.”

==============

The sun had begun to set over the horizon when Roari approached Clio. She stood on the balcony, letting the wind whistle through her burning mane as she looked out into the distance.

“How are the brothers Hima?” Roari smiled as he approached.

“Sato is alright. I offered them accommodations here in the spire for the night. Clio said distractedly.

“You really are a curious child, Clio.” Roari chuckled.

“Oh?”

“Indeed. I’m pleasantly surprised, to be truthful. You’re the first Kes’ra’rene I’ve met that isn’t overly proud or arrogant. Your compassion and naiveté is rather refreshing”

“I get that a lot.” She murmured.

He chuckled. “Not to mention the fact that you don’t seem the least bit intimidated by me. That’s also refreshing. Most people aren’t so…”

“Blasé?”

“Yes, blasé about being confronted by a living legend.”

“Lord Roari, you’re not the first greater being I’ve crossed paths with.” Clio smiled faintly, her wings fluttering softly. “I’m more curious as to how you knew I was telling the truth.  About being the soul of the planet, I mean.”

“Ah, well…” Roari chuckled, advancing to stand beside her. “My father told me that I’d recognize his successor.”

Clio blinked. “You father?”

Roari chuckled. “I’m sure you’ve heard the legends about me. That I sprung fully formed from the planet itself when Father Casiid and Kumalla the Moon mated? That’s true, by the way.”

Clio blinked, then shook her head. “It doesn’t really surprise me, to be honest. Your father sends his regards, though.” She blinked, then looked up slowly. “They’re ringing the bells.”

“I know. It’s already started, hasn’t it?” Roari shook his head.

==============

Dusk fell quietly on Kas, the capital city of the planet of Casiida. The burning sun turned the sky shades of red and violet as the temperature began to rapidly sink as the air cooled, the chill of the night beginning to approach. The entire city looked as though it had been set aflame in the dawn’s light.

Kas was an old city, built long before the Aphkei invasion and the subsequent turmoil that followed. The great stone buildings that were once home to the Supreme and his council loomed high over the rock and stucco buildings below, the black stone pitted and worn. Kas, once the crown jewel of the planet, was now the meeting place of rabble and savages. Far below in the marketplaces and streets, merchants began to close shop as the outlying prydes dragged in their own offerings of livestock and meat and hand-made crafts. Even the slave markets began to cool as the sun set. All through the city the hungry, the destitute and the filthy did the best they could as they rubbed shoulders with the merchants, both from their world and off world.

Then came a sound. High above ground level, atop the Supreme’s tower, there was a glint of metal, before a loud crash echoed outwards, the air almost shimmering from its intensity. Those below grew silent as the crash rang out again, and again, and again, echoing out far and wide from the tower as though a great pair of cymbals were being clanged together. Movement stilled, voices fell silent, and cubs hid as they all looked up at the mighty tower as the noise rang out again and again.

Then, just as sudden as it had began, the noise halted, replaced by the solemn tolling of a single, iron bell. Soon, even that came to a halt.

There was silence for a few moments, before the Casid below began to talk once more, the topic of conversation quickly shifting to the subject of the crashing. Unfortunately, most of Casid did not realize its significance as digital messages were shot off to the households of the Great Prydes…