Assembly of the Divinities

Gods of the myriad pantheons were arriving in the vast assembly hall, each materializing in their unique and often theatrical style – although with no mortals in attendance to be astounded, it was rather pointless and comical, thought Jaros as he observed from his appointed place.

He had arrived early as he often did for these affairs, and had taken his seat at the outer ring of tables not long after the Council arrived. Those dozen members were arranged in seats on a far smaller but more ornate table facing the assembly, on the raised dais at the far end of the semicircular hall that resembled one of the amphitheaters of the mortal world below. And behind them, on three thrones of shimmering color sat the Council Supremes, who presided over them all. And one special guest in the chair beside them again, Jaros noted sardonically.

Flickering torches of everlasting multi-colored light adorned the walls entirely for decoration, for of course, the entire space was as bright as noonday, powered as it was with immortal energy. Columns of pristine marble with streaks of vibrant color formed a ring near the outer walls of the hall, and Jaros sat in front of one of them, almost directly across from the thrones, contentedly observing. Some of the mortals called this ‘people-watching’ in their own limited existence, and Jaros smiled at the amusing idea of a similar concept of ‘god-watching’.

To his far left toward the curving wall, he saw the cohort of Elves materializing as a group, somewhat fashionably late, and all in a glowing green and gold nimbus of light. In their midst, stood the breath-taking Queen Goddess Elvarra, looking regal and aloof as always. He looked away quickly to avoid the possibility of meeting her gaze. He still felt uneasy with his entanglement in her affairs.

Continuing to look around, he spotted his occasional lover and ally, the Goddess of Sorcery Felyda, as she appeared in an outline of red energy then materialized fully in her elaborate dress of magical couture and contraptions. She sat several seats away, and he nodded to her politely, although she barely seemed to notice him as she waved absent-mindedly and engaged her sister next to her in animated discussion.

And then, at long last, the host of orcs appeared, as glowering and tardy as ever, simmering into the presence of the assembled one after the other, each in a subtly menacing display of bursting black energy. They sneered around and uttered loudly with each other in their guttural speech, and took their seats in a somewhat isolated area near the right wall.

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The general din of the hall soon settled into a murmur and then to a hush, as the Supreme Goddess Anandarra raised her hand for silence.

“Welcome to you all, immortals of our world. We shall begin our discourse now.” She stood and approached the middle of the dais, glowing faintly with the turquoise energy of her domain, garbed in an ornate white toga with gold brocade and her lustrous dark green hair curled in braids around her shoulders.

“It has been a restful time since the conclusion of our last game among the mortals. And now it is time for another season to begin.” Polite smatterings of applause sounded through the chamber. “Those victors most recent and those who fared not so well, will all be equal once more in their status.” Again, scattered applause.

“But first: It is my honor to introduce our esteemed guest, who has returned to grace us with his presence. From our sister planet Earth, our ever-amusing friend Hermes, adventurer of the Olympians.” More robust applause, as many gods were in favor of their oft-visiting guest. Hermes had brought many new fresh ideas and innovations to their world, not the least of which had been the idea of this grand amphitheater-style hall modeled off the structures of his world. In times past, they had gathered in a more cosmic scene of stars strewn across their feet and above, but times and fashions – just as with the mortal world – had changed among the immortals as well.

But Jaros felt the cultures of their own mortals had developed plenty of their own innovations and culture. Why was Earth’s ideas so special that they should conform to them? He felt a twinge of jealousy, but moreover, also a vague suspicion about that Hermes. Few entities were so helpful and gracious without something in return, although the Council seemed to have been convinced a while ago.

He found himself starting to brood, so he turned his attention back to the hall around them. The structure did present a certain exotic ‘classical’ look, at least. Perhaps this Earth might be a worthy place to visit someday.

Hermes approached the Queen, bowed graciously, and addressed the assembled gods.

“Great gods of this pantheon! May the multiverse ever shine graciously upon your affairs!” He bowed deeply. Jaros was already growing annoyed by this emissary.

But in due course, Hermes gave an accounting of the new enhancement to their powers. And with a flourish, he summoned the Artifact that would make their fortunes all the more interesting for the next millennium or so.

Jaros felt himself get more and more intrigued, and he began to devise new games for his worshippers to play.