The city of VeniaCeleste is situated on a towering hill amidst the stunning scenery of forests and gently flowing streams. At the heart of the city stands the Temple of the Goddess Venia, a structure built in the Gothic architectural style. It features tall, slender columns that reach toward the sky, and a magnificent domed roof adorned with stained glass that reflects the moonlight on a full moon night. Surrounded by crystal-clear pools and gardens filled with white lilies that exude a fragrant scent, the temple creates an atmosphere of peace and sanctity for all who visit.
In the main ceremonial hall of the temple, located in the deepest part of the building, the decor includes pure white lilies and torches mounted on marble walls that cast a soft, warm glow. Silver moonlight streams through stained glass windows, enhancing the sacred ambiance. Here, the High Oracle of Mercy of the Goddess Venia, known as Arion, is inspecting the preparations for the ceremony to be held the following night.
Arion is a middle-aged man with a stern face that also conveys a sense of compassion. He has a broad forehead, mysterious gray eyes resembling the color of a morning lake, and thick, straight eyebrows that give him an authoritative look when he maintains his serene demeanor. He wears a long, clean white robe adorned with small silver gemstones on the collar and cuffs that shimmer when he moves. A light golden sash, intricately woven with lily patterns, encircles his waist. His attire, though simple, exudes elegance and sacredness.
Arion pays attention to every detail of the ceremony, from preparing the lilies for the altar, to arranging the holy water, and reviewing the sacred scriptures that will be used in the prayers. His face is filled with focus and determination, aiming for the ceremony to be as perfect as possible to strengthen the faith and trust of the people in the Goddess Venia.
Suddenly, the sky outside flares up with a sudden burst of light so bright that it dims the flames in the room for a moment. Arion halts and turns to look out the stained glass window depicting the beautiful image of the Goddess Venia. He sees something he has never witnessed before—a red ring orbiting the moon, glowing like raging flames. His gray eyes widen in astonishment for a moment before the ground beneath his feet begins to tremble, as if to shatter the sacred peace of the temple instantly.
The priests and assistants who were performing their duties stood still as if time had stopped. The chanting that once echoed through the room ceased abruptly, leaving only the faint sound of the wind whistling through the windows. The Priest of Compassion, named Yordun, was the first to recover. He is a young man, slender, with pale white skin and dark brown eyes filled with worry, though his face often bore a gentle smile tinged with caution. He wears a cream-colored robe that brushes the ground, covered with an outer white cloak adorned with silver lily patterns at the collar and cuffs. Seeing the bright light in the sky and feeling the earth tremble, he quickly approached High Oracle Arion with a worried voice:
"High Oracle, what is happening?"
Arion turned to Yordun, his eyes filled with a stern gaze mixed with curiosity, but unable to hide the anxiety within. He searched his memory through old records but found no event resembling what was happening now. After a moment of silence, he gave a firm and steady command.
"Gather all the Priests of Compassion for an urgent meeting, and have the Guardians of Grace maintain order in the city at once."
All the priests in the room quickly carried out Arion's orders, their hearts filled with worry and wondering what this event might signify.
Meanwhile, in a dense, distant forest far from VeniaCeleste, where towering trees and various plants grow thick, their dark green leaves hinting at hidden mysteries, a group of people in dark robes moved silently towards a deep cave hidden in the great forest. They hurried through narrow tunnels that descended into the depths, eventually reaching a large cavern. The cave walls were covered with faintly glowing blue minerals, providing just enough light to see the surroundings.
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These people showed no signs of fear but rather expressions of excitement and joy. Soon they arrived at a unique marble altar, intricately carved, upon which sat a withered human figure in a meditative pose, eyes closed, body covered with mold and vines growing all over. In the clasped hands of this figure, there was a jar made of a glowing material, its lid slightly ajar.
One of the group, a tall, muscular man with a thick beard covering both sides of his jaw, dark hair tied back loosely, and deep green eyes that looked calm yet determined, spoke in a low but powerful voice: “The Great Deity has awakened. The time of greatness is about to dawn once more.”
Upon hearing this, the group erupted in a joyous cheer, their voices echoing throughout the cavern.
Seven days later, in the Temple of the Goddess Venia, where senior priests like High Oracle of Mercy Arion and Priest of Compassion Yordun were dedicated to studying the moon's ring, they spent countless hours reviewing books and scriptures collected since the temple's founding. The faces and eyes of the priests were weary from sleepless nights. Despite their relentless efforts, they had found no relevant clues; almost every ancient artifact had been read and scrutinized.
Arion rose from a teak table filled with books and records and walked out to the balcony for fresh air and to reflect. His eyes gazed at the vast night sky, where the moon still bore its fiery red ring. He pondered the events of this chaotic week. Although firm in his faith, he could not deny that fear and confusion lingered in his heart.
When Priest of Compassion Yordun came to report, “We have read every record and scripture, but none mention the moon's ring,” Arion remained calm, knowing that this phenomenon might be something unprecedented in history. He did not know how to explain it, so he ordered all the priests present to announce a meeting with all the priests in VeniaCeleste to discuss the moon ring phenomenon the next day.
The following day,
It was a day of utmost importance. All eyes were fixed on High Oracle Arion, whom everyone awaited for guidance regarding the moon ring phenomenon, which remained a mysterious enigma and had caused fear in the hearts of the people. Rumors spread everywhere, ranging from talk of Judgment Day to signs from the gods. Fear and uncertainty gripped every heart, even among the most devout priests of the Goddess Venia.
Soon, High Oracle Arion entered the meeting hall with a dignified and authoritative demeanor. The atmosphere fell silent as he appeared; everyone held their breath for a moment, waiting for the words of their spiritual leader. Arion stood in the center of the hall, his face stern and resolute. He glanced around with his gray eyes, filled with compassion and wisdom. When he was ready, he began to speak in a firm and steady voice:
“You are all aware of the events that have transpired. I know many of you are beginning to feel doubt and fear about this phenomenon, but I urge you not to be swayed by rumors or heretical tales. The faith we have in the Goddess Venia should be steadfast and strong. Remember the mercy and sacrifice that she has bestowed upon all living things.”
Arion's voice resonated throughout the hall. His words, filled with confidence and conviction, remarkably calmed the tense atmosphere. Many priests who had shown signs of wavering in their faith began to regain their composure. They silently recited prayers in their hearts, prayers to the Goddess Venia, whose boundless mercy was revered by all: “Goddess Venia, with your boundless mercy, bring peace to my soul. Let your grace spread throughout the land. Let forgiveness be my path, and protect me with your gentle embrace.”
Seeing the faces and demeanor of the priests becoming calmer, Arion decided to address the next important matter: “From this day forward, we, the followers of Venia, must strive to uncover the truth behind this change to protect the goddess's name from being tarnished by heretics. There may be meanings we have yet to understand. This study must be given the utmost priority. If anyone has suggestions or ideas, report them to your direct Priest of Compassion, and I will consider them carefully.”
Arion's words ignited a spark of hope once again in the hearts of the priests. The study and analysis of the moon and its red ring began in earnest. High Oracle Arion understood that this investigation might take a long time, but what concerned him most was not just discovering the truth about this mysterious phenomenon but also the potential impact on people's faith and the changes that might follow.
The atmosphere in the meeting hall was once again filled with determination and hope. The priests began to speak quietly among themselves, discussing their plans for research and study that they would need to undertake. Meanwhile, High Oracle Arion stood silently, watching with a calm gaze. He knew this challenge was a test of faith, but he believed that the faithful of Venia would overcome it with unity and unwavering determination.