[h1][center][color=gold]The Tree Of Life[/color][/center][/h1]
[h2][sub][center][color=gold]The Timeless Hero-Sage Meets Lady Allianthé[/color][/center][/sub][/h2]
[h3][sub][center][color=gold]Life, Worms and Temples[/color][/center][/sub][/h3]

Business concluded with heroes from closeby and afar, Galaxor was…bored. So bored in fact that it was time for him to do something he meant for a long, long time. Meet the neighbours. Luckily, Maxima needed his help and he met El’zadir with whom Galaxor had a few interesting conversations while also setting up an alliance between the 13 kingdoms and the Goblin Underground. 

Why he insisted on calling it Goblin Underground was a mystery to Galaxor. At the last consensus, which Rajesh happily conducted, there were sixty-seven thousand and four goblins. Not to mention the other people who heard of the Library or simple merchants and travellers.  It was not an “underground” anymore but a full fledged civilization of goblins. 

Pondering a bit about it, Galaxor decided that he will need to have Maxima change the name to something more fitting. Something new and exciting. Something knowledgeable and timeless. Yet, Galaxor knew not what that would be. So many possibilities, so many names to choose from and each, if the future was correct, would influence civilization in one direction or the other. 

Eventually, Galaxor stopped thinking about it and actually did what he should’ve done already. With a [i]puff[/i], Galaxor appeared above ground. Close enough to the Tree for him to be seen clearly by anyone. With a breath, Galaxor let out a divine pulse of energy which could be felt by divines or heroes. A sort-of, beacon and as well, an invitation for conversation. It was just polite, after all.

The first to arrive was a Syllianth bearing a staff of wood and divinium intertwined. Her eyes were different though. Divine, green glow emanated from them and her aura was more akin to that of a goddess than of a mortal. She smiled as she saw the great form of Galaxor. “Welcome to Arbor.” Two voices spoke. The mortal’s voice was almost completely buried underneath the voice of Allianthé. “I am Allianthé, goddess of life. I would meet you myself but circumstances prevent me. It is a pleasure to meet you-” She motioned over at the new god with a hand, making room for his introduction if he so wished.

Galaxor looked at the women that arrived and nodded at her. It was obvious what was happening even before she said it, Allianthé took over the mortal which was dangerous in Galaxor’s opinion. With his chrono-eye, he looked at her and saw how her potential futures changed and warped by this action.

Nonetheless, he bowed to the possessed mortal and shrunk down to her size. “[color=gold]Well met, Allianthé. It was about time we met. I am Galaxor, god of heroism, knowledge and time. [/color]” Galaxor said in his most charming tone, each time he mentioned one of his domains, his aura changed, letting out a glimpse of the Aspects of each of them.

“Well met, Galaxor.” Allainthé-Irrithae said. Roots and trees emerged from the soil beneath, forming several crude but equal looking chairs and a table in the middle. “Please, be seated.” They said as they took place themselves. “There will be refreshments shortly. Another will be joining us as well. Aenos is the heroic protector of Arbor. Irrithae, this mortal vessel that I am using, is my prophet and the steward of Arbor.” They explained. “Now, you said it was due time for us to speak. So I assume you have your reason to be here?”

Taking a seat, Galaxor nodded in thanks to the goddess before waving his hand and a couple of bottles of RALK appeared on the table, alongside a few delicacies of the Goblin Underground. A bit self-conscious of who he is talking to, Galaxor made sure only to summon forth only plant-based food.

“[Color=gold]I've got refreshments sorted, delicacies of my mortals and bottles of RALK. A truly divine drink and all natural. [/color]” he said as he poured two glasses of RALK, one for each of them.

“[Color=gold]Well met, Irrithae if you're in there, as I assume, Allianthé didn't fully suppress your will. Onto business?[/color]” asked Galaxor as he took a few sips of the drink. 

“[Color=gold]Very well. First off, I'd like to thank you for the help with the Egrioth. Your swamp slowed down him, and his army long enough for Asheel and I to bring him down. [/color]” started Galaxor as he bowed his head in thanks before continuing “[color=gold]As you're probably well aware, my goblins live underground. Well, the goblins I personally oversee. The Goblin Underground is the metropolis where they live and its placement is…right under Arbor. In fact, many of the roots of the tree are part of the city. [/color]” With another sip, Galaxor waved his hand and a book with moving images appeared, each imagine showcasing a part of the GU where the roots could be seen, treated with utmost respect, in real time. 

“[Color=gold]My GU is anxious about going above ground, seeing that they've lived their whole existence down there and that they don't know how your subjects would react if they knew their whereabouts for you see..[/color]” he continued as the book changed images to show the Dwarf Incident where multiple goblins were executed by dwarves by unknowingly going into their territory.

“My will is not suppressed, I assure you Lord Galaxor.” Only one voice spoke: Irrithae the mortal. Then she frowned as she absorbed the knowledge. “The existence of goblins below Arbor is no new knowledge to us.” Allianthé-Irrithae resumed. “We were aware of their existence in the Divinium mines. However the actions of these dwarven kingdoms are uncalled for. Death… why is it always resorted to so quickly?” They said as they carefully sipt the RALK as they let the question sit for a moment. “I can assure you that Arbor does not resort to such barbaric practices so fast. Your… GU can rest assured. Arbor would treat them justly and fairly.”

Amelia then appeared upon the scene. The only true mortal around, she was taken aback by the sheer presence of both Galaxor and the influencing aura of Allianthé. She stopped in her tracks and nearly dropped the wooden plate, holding simple cups and teapot. “It’s okay, Amelia.” The singular voice of Irrithae said. “You can come.” The young, elven girl did as asked and put down the teapot. Her reasonable, mortal fear telling her to get the hell out was easy to recognize. She was looking like a doe in headlights.

With a nod to Irrithae, Galaxor listened to Allianthé. “[color=gold]Their goddess, El’zadir said something similar to that. She apologised for what might’ve sparked a war between mortals. I’m glad to hear your agreement on the matter. [/color]” with another sip, Galaxor looked straight at Allianthé, no longer just spending his time looking at the landscape.
“[color=gold]I understand violence better than most, is it, after all, the most common way heroes are born ‘alas, those mortals were under my protection and not fighters. Children, explorers, families that wanted to colonise the great underground. [/color]” continued Galaxor as the book before them started showing pictures of the goblins that were killed. 

Before Galaxor could say something else, Amelia showed up and almost dropped the wooden plate that she was carrying. Poor mortal, Galaxor thought. Not everyday one interrupted two divine beings during their business deals. 

“[color=gold]Don’t be afraid, mortal. Take a seat with us. Have a drink. RALK is…divine. [/color]” said Galaxor with a kind smile towards her before looking at her with his chrono-eye…and the things he saw put a frown on his face. Out of all the possible futures, not one was not filled with destruction, darkness and danger and yet in all of them, she proved herself to be quite powerful. 

“[color=gold]Oh my’. Your future is interesting. I hope you don’t mind, Allianthé, but I’ll keep an eye on this one. [/color]” said Galaxor, quickly hiding his frown.

Allianthé found it strange that a god would come to entreat another divine over the simple matter of a city. Surely mortal diplomats could come to petition their peers at Arbor. No divine protection of gift was asked yet. Before she would’ve been patient and waited to see what Galaxor truly wished to talk about. Not anymore. “It is a shame. Though I hope peace and prosperty will flow forth from the tragedy. It is good that you have come though, god of heroism. I do have a handful of requests.”

As the goddess started speaking, Amelia carefully approached. The idea that a god somehow saw that she had an interesting future made her excited and fearful at the same time. Especially as she herself had no idea what to do. She served the tea at best of her ability, but before she could sit she heard the voice of Allianthé in her mind: [i]Remember your place, little mortal.[/i] It was not said with any malice or judgement. It was a warning. [i]You are a cupbearer. A noble start but it makes you as of now unfit to sit with gods. Hurry away now, and reflect upon what was said here.[/i] Amelia did not need to be told twice.

“First, I ask all gods that I meet to fill in a shrine at the Tree of Life. In a way it is a temple to the Khodex and I would wish mortalkind to know all the divine.” Allianthé-Irrithae said. “My traditional second request is for some sort of a boon, blessing or sacred mark in Arbor. Others have done so before you. However, I would ask something different of you. This vessel that I use will one day reign over a polis of great proportions, housing millions.” Irrithae’s voice began to falter. She did not know that this was her destiny and to hear her goddess speak of it, a myriad of thoughts overwhelmed her. Allianthé’s voice remained steadfast. “I am hoping that you could offer aid to a hero on their destined quest. She needs to be educated but also experience first hand what it means to rule. To offer guidance where it is most needed. To demand… sacrifice.”

With a laugh at Amelia and wink, Galaxor said, as she left “[color=gold]Oops, you heard her but do call upon me later, if you wish. You'll be fun to watch. [/color]” 

Turning once more to Allianthé, Galaxor nodded at her requests. 

“[Color=gold]Ah. You've read my mind. I've heard from your elves about the shrines and I didn't want to impose and ask about it directly, but yes. I'd like to do that. May I ask, if a room could be offered instead of a simple shrine? My shrine will offer mortals what they so much wish for, a glimpse at their future or access to talk with their younger selves. [/color]” started Galaxor before making another RALK bottle appeared and continuing “[color=gold]Of course, the future's not set in stone but it'll give them hope. Surely you understand how important hope is, as for your second request…allow me. [/color]”, Galaxor stood up and touched Irrithae’s shoulder and in a flash, they both teleported deep, very deep within Galbar. Right upon the grand staircase leading to the Library. 

A group of elves, recognising Irrithae, quickly tried to shuffle back to the end of the long line of novices-to-be, not wanting to be recognised by the envoy of the goddess. 

“[Color=gold]Behold. The Great Underground Library. One of my holy temples and as you can see, a quite popular spot for mortals who make it here. We've taken a shortcut, otherwise, it would've taken months to get here. [/color]” As he talked, the line pushed forward as a few beastfolk passed by, rejected by the Library's grand-sage.

Allianthé-Irrithae shook their head for a moment as they were teleported to the Great Underground Library. Allianthé was very quick to recover though: “For the shrine, I am afraid that I must insist upon a simple shrine within the Tree of Life. I believe us peers, all of us. Offering more to another would have too much of a symbolical impact. That being said, Arbor is a city that is about to bloom in exceptional ways. If you so wish, you can create a temple there as well.” She explained, as she left her opinion on hope unspoken. In truth she cared very little for hope. It was such an ephemeral concept, and it could so easily be conflated with desperation into outright lies.

“As for Irrithae’s education, I thank you for accepting. Though I must say that you may have acted overly hasty.” Irrithae’s voice began to recover from the sudden shock. “Irrithae had friends and loved ones she had to say her goodbyes to. Alas.” Allianthé dove into Irrithae’s mind: [i]Show me to whom you wish to say your goodbyes. They shall receive the message from me.[/i]

“Goddess this is too fast!” Irrithae spoke out when she was partially released from Allianthé’s influence. “I still have Amelia and the other mages to guide! The druids will need to know where to grow the Housetrees. Oh goddess, I have yet to talk to the fire girl! There is too much-”

[i]The future is more pressing than the present, Irrithae.[/i] The goddess spoke like a stern mother would address her child. It broke Irrithae’s defiance instantly. Then she softened: [i]I understand that this must be hard for you, to fall from one world into another. Trust that it is necessary. Have faith, in yourself and in me.[/i] She let the words sink into the Syllianth girl before resuming her control.

“Come find me in the Tree of Life Galaxor, so we may finish our dealings.” Allianthé-Irrithae said, before she fully released her control over her prophetess.

“[color=gold]I merely wish for both of you to know what I can offer before…I ask for payment, Allianthé. Irrithae may go back to her mortal business and to get prepared for what's to come. If she wishes to learn, this is the best place to do so. I'll personally guide her when she'll be ready for it. But she needs to first prove herself. I won't accept [i]just[/i] anyone. As you can see, people are turned back even here, months after they travelled. [/color]” said Galaxor with a smile before looking right in Irrithae’s eyes and saying “[color=gold]So. Elf. Tell me what makes you worthy?[/color]” 

Irrithae looked down at her own feet. Of course she was afraid. Then she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When duty calls, she knew she had to answer. She couldn’t do it while afraid, or excited, or sad. She had to stay calm and in control of herself. So that is what she did. Then she looked up again at Galaxor. “I am the first Prophetess of the goddess of Life.” She declared. “I govern the holy city of Arbor. It was my steadfast hand that returned order from chaos when my Lady sealed herself within the Tree of Life. I wrote the rules that govern the access to the Wellspring, and I am an Arch-Druid of the Font. Every week new ways of greensinging are created by me, or because of me.”

Those were many titles and many achievements, but she already felt like they paled compared to a god. So she switched her tactic: “And I am the key to attaining whatever boon you wish from the goddess.” It was a daring call to make, but when she was Allianthé-Irrithae she could glean some of the thoughts of her Lady. Lord Galaxor did not come for idle chats. He wanted something. A temple, to begin with. But something else as well. Something that required a divine hand.

Listening to her titles, Galaxor shook his head. It was so typical of mortals to state their titles and say how great they were, a crime which Galaxor himself was guilty of on multiple occasions. Of course, he knew better now. 

“[color=gold]Your titles and achievements mean little to me, elf. I didn’t ask you for a biography, but to tell me [i]why[/i] would I want you to learn at my Library. What makes you worthy of the tutelage of the greatest hero and sage there is?[/color]” started Galaxor before being cut-off by Irrithae’s last words which only made Galaxor laugh out loud.

“[color=gold]You’re bold, I give you that. Bargaining with the powers of your goddess not your own. Now you have forced Allianthé’s hand for I can simply say no, unless I receive something grand in exchange, not what I initially wanted. So, let me ask you again, what makes you special? How are you different from everyone else here? Are you stronger? Are you faster? Do you know knowledge that none other knows? [/color]” asked Galaxor. 

What Galaxor wanted was simple, yet most of the time, hard for mortals to understand. Especially mortals so close to their creators. Galaxor wanted to know if [i]she[/i] wanted to be taught and it wasn’t just a command given by her goddess. Is it truly her will that drives her to learn or was it Allianthé that pushed this mortal hero on this path? 

It was… strange to see the God of Heroes have such little insight. Irrithae knew she wasn’t talking with her thoughts. She was Allianthé’s willing vessel. Her bargain was not forcing the goddess hand. Alas, even that wasn’t enough. For a moment Irrithae questioned what even could be the right reason. Then it struck her.

“Because I want to make sure that millions don’t have to suffer.” The idea struck her like lightning yet made her feel ashamed at the same time. “I’m not going to kill. I’m not going to slay some beast.” The idea was part genius and part foolish, for the god might as well see it as dull. “You ask why I want to become the person my goddess needs me to be, it’s because I know what will happen when I fail. Squalor, starvation, injustice, and all the death and ruin that follows.” And in the depth of her mind, another reason echoed through. Not an altruistic one. She imagined the millions of Arbor chanting her name. She would be their queen and attain glory. Not by killing some beast but by offering the masses prosperity.

“And you ask me how I am special, how I’m different? I’m not stronger, or faster but I am smarter. Not with a blade or any other weapon. I am smarter because I realize that if I want my reign to attain the greatness that it needs to, I need to know more. More about things most heroes would put by the wayside: law, government, trade, architecture and art. That is how I am different.” When she finished her speech her heart was racing. It took true courage for her to keep her eyes on Galaxor. However, she also felt like it wasn’t just her seeing him right now. A small, greenlike presence in the back of her mind was about to witness what came next.

Keeping his chrono-eye trained on her, Galaxor watched as her future changed with every word she said and emotion displayed. She saw the crowds cheering her name, the long nights spent over war maps and some romance sprinkled in between. 

With a neutral expression on his face, Galaxor nodded at the elf. “[Color=gold]Aye, you'll do. [/color]” he simply said as he snapped his fingers, teleporting them high above the Tree of Life exactly when the sun was slowly rising over the horizon. Before she could react, Irrithae would notice that she's floating beside Galaxor. 

“[Color=gold]I thought a change of scenery would be nice. Look at that. Those are the people you're ready to protect. Keep this memory fresh in your mind and you'll do well. [/color]” he said, after Irrithae calmed down from what must've been pretty jarring for a mortal.

Below them, elves, goblins and other races slowly woke up. Thousands of souls. All living is peace.

With a wink to Irrithae, Galaxor showed her small glimpses of a potential future for Arbor and it was a beautiful sight. Tears of joy formed on her eyes as she watched the futures infold and fade again. This was what she would create. She relished the sight for as long as she could but she was never truly a dreamer like this. “Okay.” She finally said. “Please, take me back. I need to get started on making these visions reality.” She asked, her tone polite but clearly duty bound.

With another snap, they were back at the table. Cups of RALK appearing in their hands.

“[Color=gold]Now that you've proven yourself and you know what will happen, to a certain degree, I think it's time to talk about my price. I can accept a shrine and maybe a temple when Arbor grows.[/color]” said Galaxor with a smile before adding with a chuckle, “[color=gold]A shrine would have the same effect, just the queues might be longer. [/color]” 

After a brief pause, he continued “[color=gold]As for the price of your…tutelage. Allianthé, what can you offer me? I'm thinking of something that will make the travel time between the surface and the Library shorter. As much as I like the challenges people face to get to it, there are people who would be perfect students ‘alas unable to pass all the trials, especially the physical ones. [/color]”

In an instance the young Syllianth became Allainthé-Irrithae again. “I ask only a simply shrine, a representation of yourself however you so wish, to fill an alcove in the Tree of Life. That is all that would be necessary.” They said, their voices unified once more. Then Irrithae made a flourish with her hand as if it was nothing.

Deep below the earth a new life form emerged. Large worms began to burrow deep through rock and soil.

“You may wish to inform your goblin population that they’ll be encountering the burrower-worms quite frequently. As they are naturally attracted to them - though not as food, I can assure you. Their nests will be close to the Goblin Underground. They will not be submissive. It will be to your aspirants to figure out if the worm is heading for its nest or going out to forage. Your aspirants will also have to rely on their agility or their wits to get on the worms. This seems like a fitting alternative, don’t you think?”

In truth Allianthé would’ve wanted to make the challenge as easy as possible but she knew enough about Galaxor that he wouldn’t accept such a simple challenge. “I hope this satisfies you?”

Galaxor teleported out immediately underground and saw one of these Burrow-Worms in action, cutting through earth, rock and more with ease and sure enough, they were close to the Goblin Underground. With a mental message to Maxima to warn her and instruct what the goblins are supposed to do with these new creatures, Galaxor returned to Allianthé.

“[color=gold]Apologies for my disappearance. I only wished to see these creatures in action myself. Beautiful creatures, thank you, Allainthé. With payment received, Irrithae, once you’re ready just shout my name in front of the shrine I’ll make and you’ll be transported to the Library where you’ll start your training. [/color]” said Galaxor with a smile before continuing “[color=gold]Allainthé, I shall make the shrine and if you’re still up for it, I’ll send Maxima, the leader of the Goblin Underground up here to meet whoever you deem fitting to negotiate a formal alliance while also some sages to my shrine…to help people process what they’ll see. [/color]”

That would mark the first time another god’s priesthood would enter Arbor. Far away, within the tree, a shudder travelled over Allianthé’s spine. “It is my advice that Irrithae finishes her studies before such an alliance is discussed.” They said in perfect unison now. “Arbor works under strict rules of war and conflict. Free trade, free travel, these are things that face no injustice within Arbor but an alliance would suggest aiding one another in times of war. Such an agreement will require the proper stipulations of which I can only trust Irrithae.” After such a winded speech, and such a winded conversation Allianthé-Irrithae let out an almost exhausted sigh. “Forgive me but I must take my leave. I have shared control with Irrithae for too long already. It was good meeting you, Galaxor.” With that, the green glow from Irrithae vanished. But the goddess had a parting message in Irrithae’s mind: [i]Go now. Your task is clear. Become the Steward and Diplomat Arbor needs you to be. Say your farewells, and then go forth. You will be afraid. It is a big step. Date take it with conviction.[/i]

Chuckling, Galaxor said with no anger in his voice for being rejected: “[color=gold]Smart move, Allianthé. There were only a very few futures where you accepted it from the get-go and none were very bright. I’ll tell Maxima that they are now allowed to come “upstairs” if they so wish. If [i]anyone[/i] causes problems, let Maxima know and they won’t anymore. [/color]” 

With bow to Allianthé, Galaxor looked at the mortal and added with a wink, just before going to create the shrine. “[color=gold]We two are going to have a lot of fun. [/color]” 

[hider=Summary]Galaxor travels to the surface world where he activates a beacon for all the heroes and divine to see in the vicinity. Allianthé-Irrithae (Allianthé partially controlling Irrithae) answer not soon after. At first they discuss the Goblin Underground and the tragedy that played out there.

Then they discuss Egrioth and finally Allianthé makes a request of Galaxor. Irrithae requires education. Galaxor says she can study at the Library. They go there, and Irrithae is subjected to a test: why she wants to become a hero. Her first attempt is mid. So she tries again. Her bravery wins over Galaxor, who gives her a vision of the greatness she can achieve. With that sorted, they all return to the first meeting place. Irrithae’s education is divinely paid for by Allianthé who creates the Burrower-Worms. Large worms that can be used to travel underground quickly. Finally, a shrine is made in the Tree of Life and the possibility of a future alliance is raised.[/hider]

[hider=MP Summary]
[b]Allianthé Start MP:[/b] 12
-2 MP - Create Slightly blessed non-sapient lifeform: Burrow-Worms - Large, blind, carapaced worms that dig through dirt and rock. They are large, almost the size of a house. These creatures were created by the goddess to move effortlessly through the underground. They fit perfectly within their underground ecosystem. One exceptional feature, aside from their size, is that the females have indents in their carapaces that allows them to carry their young (or others who might wish to piggyback on them). They have an attraction for the smell of goblins, and will often nest near large quantities of them.
[b]Allianthé End MP:[/b] 10

[b]Galaxor Start MP:[/b] 1
-1 MP (+1 MP time boost) - to make a holy site, a shrine in Arbor. Mortals that touch it are granted visions of their own future that may or may not happen. They can also, if they wish, have conversations with past selves but whatever they may tell about their own future, will be erased from the mind of the past self. If one has a conversation with their past selves and tells them about the future, they will feel a sense of familiarness when reaching that point in their life but not understand why, that feeling will later be called “déjà vu”
[b]Galaxor End MP:[/b] 0
[/hider]