8th of Raincrown, 1370
The council sat in the town hall, a drafty building with arched windows and a domed ceiling. Ebonheim sat on a cushioned chair at the head of the table with her legs crossed and hands folded. Kelzryn stood to her right, arms clasped behind his back and looking vigilant. Across the table sat Evelyne, Orin, Ingrid, Th'maine, and the elders.
"I'll be gone for five days," Ebonheim began, glancing at each person seated in a semi-circle facing her. "Five. Just like the year before. I'll be back before you all have time to miss me. I'll even bring souvenirs!"
"More divine artifacts?" Engin inquired politely. He leaned forward with a hint of anticipation. "You've always managed to pick up a few during your trips to the celestial plane."
"Sure, but no guarantees," she admitted. "I've been focusing more on quintessence collection this year, but I've also expended quite a bit to build the road and helping with constructions. I don't think I'll have a lot to spare this time." She shrugged and offered a reassuring smile. "But I'll keep an eye out."
Bjorn placed an elbow on the table and scratched his bearded jawline. "Have you considered taking someone with you? As a guard, perhaps?"
She hadn't even considered that option until recently when she asked if Kelzryn wanted to accompany her the day before. He'd declined her request, stating that he was barred from leaving this material realm. When she queried the Akashic System about this, it informed her that only beings with a divine spark could travel through the celestial portal to the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala.
Guess it was exclusively for deities.
Ebonheim answered with a slight shake of her head. "No. No extra bodies allowed. It's a strictly invitation-only affair."
Evelyne lowered her pen and leaned back in her chair. She wore a thoughtful expression on her face.
"Five days..." she murmured, idly tapping her lower lip with the feathered end of the quill pen. "It's only been a short while since you left town for a nine-day expedition, now you're heading out for another. A consecutive stretch without you around. Ma déesse, it's gonna get lonely again."
A strained chuckle escaped Ebonheim's throat.
Evelyne reminded her of Serrandyl during the first few months when the Aslankoyash formally integrated with the town. Serrandyl had stuck to her like a shadow. Admittedly, those moments helped foster a bond of genuine friendship. Somewhere along the way, the proximity had caused a shift in Serrandyl's perception of Ebonheim.
Serrandyl's casual, affectionate hugs evolved into full-on smothering embraces and the occasional passionate cuddles. Not unpleasant per se, just surprising and rather unorthodox. Nowadays, she is a bit less touchy, though only marginally—mostly because Serrandyl had more duties keeping her busy.
Evelyne wasn't as bold or insistent with her actions as Serrandyl—who had no sense of personal space most days—but she had an unwavering interest in being physically close to her whenever the two interacted. Like...very close.
More often than not, however, Evelyne would experience bouts of faintness and unresponsiveness whenever their faces drew too close or she encountered Ebonheim's embrace. Or inhaled a whiff of Ebonheim's scent. A curious condition for certain. Whatever the reason may be, Ebonheim didn't mind too much and tolerated the behavior with a smile.
"I'm sure you'll continue to be kept busy with researching that Aetherframe. Five days should pass in no time. Just remember to not overwork yourself and to get some sleep now and then." Ebonheim sent her a concerned look and raised an eyebrow. "Promise?"
"Oui," Evelyne affirmed, lowering her head slightly and playing along.
Ebonheim resisted a smirk, knowing very well that Evelyne had a penchant for working on projects or pursuits non-stop, pausing only to take a bite to eat or a sip to drink. She hadn't known anyone more single-mindedly focused than the raven-haired arcanist, except for maybe Viviane.
She shifted her attention to Kelzryn. "Watch over the town while I'm away, please. Do what's right and defend the people from any dangers."
Kelzryn gave a polite bow. "Of course. Have no fear."
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As the rune-scripted portal before Ebonheim shimmered into existence, an iridescence enveloped the air around her, casting a soft, ethereal glow on the grass and her skin. This would mark the third time she'd stepped through the celestial aperture to venture into the Sanctum of the Divine Mandala, yet each entrance felt as if stepping into a dream half-remembered.
The portal's embrace was a whisper of otherworldly static that tickled her skin, the sensation fleeting as she passed through the threshold into the Sanctum’s resplendent dominion. Below her, the celestial floor manifested as a tapestry of stars and nebulae, a galaxy beneath her feet that spun slowly in a silent, majestic dance.
Above, the infinite expanse stretched past the distant horizon, mirroring the night sky, but not the one she knew from her physical realm. The swirling fractal pattern was mesmerizing in its beauty as ever, dancing and glittering across the entire sky.
The air hummed with the power of the divine, a melody felt rather than heard, resonating with the core of her being. Each step Ebonheim took upon the glowing quartz path echoed softly, accompanied by a kaleidoscope of rippling lights. The path wound ahead, branching into myriad trails that led to floating islands of serene gardens and quiet sanctuaries, each a realm unto itself. Waterfalls cascaded down from these floating gardens, disappearing into the clouds beneath with a soft, continuous murmur.
As she ventured deeper into the Sanctum, the celestial architecture unfolded around her—columns and sweeping archways punctuated by tiered minarets and basalt facades. Along the promenades, tiny motes of light drifted and floated upon the cool, scented air, ever-shifting and swirling with soft ethereal lights.
Ebonheim paused beneath the majesty of a columned alcove to absorb the intoxicating sights and sounds. Everything was vibrant, lush, and ever-changing. With a satisfied sigh, she continued onwards—her footfalls echoing upon the gemstone mosaics beneath.
Ahead, the familiar forms of Aetheron and Ariastra emerged from the luminescence, both exuding their usual pleasant aura and warmth.
Aetheron’s translucent form was aglow with a calm, azure light, his crystalline crown catching the ambient luminescence of the Sanctum and refracting it into a myriad of soft blues and indigos. Beside him, Ariastra’s silhouette was an ode to harmony, her body a flowing amalgam of strings and wood, notes trembling delicately in the air with her every movement.
"Ebonheim," Aetheron’s voice greeted, a sound as soothing as the wind through silver leaves. "I hope you find yourself in good health."
Ariastra nodded in greetings. Her clef-shaped eyes glowed a welcoming amber, complementing the tinkle of crystal and string accompanying her words. "It has been a while since our last encounter. What changes have taken place in the mortal realm since we last spoke? Please, regale us with the tidings."
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
The pleasantries went on for what seemed like hours as Ebonheim walked with them through the pristine walkways. Occasionally they paused to admire the scenery, their conversation a blend of celestial observations and shared reflections on the events that had shaped their domains since last they met.
"Last year's divine auction brought in an unprecedented level of competition," Ariastra stated after a moment's silence. "It's a shame you missed it, Ebonheim."
"Really?" Ebonheim responded, glancing at Ariastra.
The Akashic System hadn't given Ebonheim an invitation last year, but that hadn't been a huge surprise. She'd been told that only a third of the sixty-four deities were allowed into the yearly event, with those being ranked as lesser gods having a higher priority than intermediate or greater gods.
Guess I didn't get to qualify last year... how unlucky.
"Indeed." Ariastra tilted her head, gazing wistfully at the stars above. "There have been several new acquisitions since then, some quite striking. Such is the nature of the game. Who can fault such desire and ambition?"
Aetheron chuckled in agreement, his robed form shifting to a deeper shade of cerulean as he spoke. "This year's competition will surely bring its own unique challenges. Who knows what will be for sale, or the price tag attached. Perhaps fortune will shine upon us once more. Perhaps not."
Nephri soon joined them, her serpentine form glowing with an ethereal, aqua-hued light. The air around her rippled as if she swam through the deep oceans of the world, each scale on her shimmering body dancing with aquatic colors.
Ebonheim enjoyed watching Nephri slither through the air beside them. Her body curved and undulated in fluid motions, gliding effortlessly without a hint of drag.
As the quartet walked together along the gilded paths, other divine figures started to appear along the route, greeting each other in various manners and engaging in quiet conversations. Soon the groups split and coalesced anew with other entities. Before long, they all filtered through the vaulted arches into the grand amphitheater where the auction would be held.
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As per usual, Ebonheim merely observed the bids during the auction for divine abilities. Since she could purchase any that she had met the prerequisite for—and at a substantially reduced price—she didn't actively participate in the proceedings. Her meager pool of collected Quintessence remained untouched. She took note of abilities that caught her fancy—especially ones related to blessing skills and boons—for future purchases.
When the time came for the divine artifacts, however, she leaned forward and watched keenly, doing her best to curtail the bubbling excitement within. Ebonheim didn't wish to appear overeager. Nor did she desire to advertise her preferences.
Aetheron cast an inquiring glance in her direction, perhaps noting her slight shift in demeanor. "Since you are still young in this sphere, you shouldn't place an unwise bet. Given your limited quintessence reserve. Make sure to spend wisely."
"Ebonheim managed to purchase two artifacts the last time she attended," Ariastra remarked, glancing in her direction. "I believe they were the Gauntlets of the Storm Giant and the Chalice of the Eternal Nectar."
"Hmm. Peculiar choices." Aetheron regarded Ebonheim with curiosity. "Those Gauntlets would only benefit you if you prefer to engage through melee combat. However, picking the chalice is...a waste of resources. Mortals should not have such a blessing."
Ebonheim had heard this argument already from Ariastra. Nonetheless, she preferred to stand her ground.
"It wasn't a waste," Ebonheim replied calmly. "I haven't used it yet, but I do intend to at some point. My people have already come up with an ethical way to administer its gift. Besides, its influence isn't for perpetuity. That's not a concern."
Aetheron scrutinized Ebonheim for a long moment, as if deliberating if her justification had any merit. Then he relented.
"Fair enough," he murmured. "Only time will tell. I will ask the state of your affairs regarding that chalice in the next century. Perhaps your decisions will bear fruit and vindicate your judgment. Only then can you prove yourself right. May the fates lend you a favorable hand."
Soon, the Akashic System's projected announcements took center stage as a radiant diagram formed within the vast hall.
[There will be no bidding for divine artifacts in this round. Instead, a lottery system will be used where deities can randomly obtain the following:
* Uncommon-Quality Artifacts (high chance)
* Rare-Quality Artifact (moderate chance)
* Epic-Quality Artifact (rare chance)
* Legendary-Quality Artifact (considerably low chance)
[Deities wishing to expend two hundred fifty Quintessence will acquire a selection of ten random artifacts ranging from the mentioned qualities. Additionally, if one is unable to acquire a Legendary-Quality artifact after ten purchases, the System will randomly award a Legendary-Quality Artifact as compensation.]
[The maximum amount of Quintessence a single deity can expend on the lottery will be limited to ten thousand. This limitation will apply to everyone present.]
The announcement riled everyone to a buzz of anticipation and whispers.
Ebonheim turned to Aetheron whose hue changed to a sour mixture of orange and green. A groan escaped him as he lifted his chin and narrowed his eyes. Beside him, Ariastra's demeanor suggested mild annoyance.
"What's going on?" Ebonheim asked quietly, not wanting to disrupt the still-developing mood.
Aetheron let out an exasperated sigh. "Gambling. Plain and simple. There's a chance of this event happening once in a while, and each time we're reminded why we don't enjoy betting our precious resources...though a few have grown addicted to it."
He gazed across the assemblage to Syntris, whose armored form rose to its full height with an eager hum.
Syntris' rich voice reverberated throughout the room as he raised his hands dramatically. "IIIIIIIIIT'S TIIIIIIIIMMEE!"
Not wasting any time, Syntris immediately began his purchase spree. Glimmering numbers floated out from his fingertips—bright numerals radiating in a colorful iridescent energy, leaving a vivid trail wherever they drifted.
An assortment of artifacts flashed into existence in his waiting palms—green auras signifying uncommon quality, blue for rare, and occasionally purple for epic—spilling out into the empty space to his sides.
The deities nearby began to gather and circle him in rapt anticipation. In between each set of acquired artifacts, a brief scan through his findings was done. What he judged acceptable was kept, whilst the rest vanished in a burst of stardust, leaving no traces of the materials behind.
Aetheron cast Ebonheim a pained expression and tilted his head meaningfully. "You see. Every single time. The madness continues." He shook his head and sighed once again. "Make no mistake; this isn't the typical roll of the dice. With such low odds, you're practically spending ten thousand Quintessence for two random items."
Ebonheim stared dumbfounded at the spectacle across from her. This was unlike the previous two times she'd attended. Unbelievable.
Ariastra hummed gently to herself, eyes half-closed. She turned her attention to Ebonheim after a brief pause and commented quietly. "Half of those gathered here will most likely take part in this gambling extravaganza. Few will obtain anything truly valuable from this...fleeting show of poor judgment. But it is just Quintessence spent for the thrill of gambling, the elation and hope of perhaps a higher reward, no matter how unlikely or insignificant."
As Ariastra finished her explanation, she gestured vaguely. A screen displaying a shimmering grid of letters and numbers appeared and hovered in the space beside her. "Lesser gods never truly have enough to spare in the first place, so they don't partake," she mused, swiping to and fro with an elegant gesture. "As for intermediate and greater gods...some are indifferent, while others join in and do not mind squandering away what they deem as a minuscule amount. Is the rush worth the effort? Not for me."
Ebonheim peeked at the screen's contents with morbid curiosity. "What's that?"
"A list of all who I've seen partake in this feverish addiction, along with a corresponding graph ranking the values lost and spent," she remarked dryly. "While I don't seek to rebuke others, I do find some joy in tracking who falls victim. Sometimes the calculations get rather lengthy as a result. Oh, well. If only more would see reason, or display some modicum of restraint. Or perhaps some sensible priorities."
Ebonheim managed a pained smile, trying not to imagine the final accounting of such a grisly list. "Uh, wow. Uhmmm...right. Sure. Count me out from ever doing something like that. Seriously. Too risky."
But...is it? What if—what if I got really lucky? I could get a legendary artifact with one expenditure! I mean...there's a chance! An extremely slight possibility...
The System prompt to purchase a selection of ten artifacts hovered in front of her, a silvery haze wafting off its borders.
[Acquire an assortment of ten random artifacts? Yes/No – 250 Quintessence per purchase.]
[Once more, the limit on purchases will not exceed forty.]
[Current Quintessence Balance: 39,705.]
Ebonheim gulped audibly.