As Ic’thyggurh carried Elara and Elros across the boundless black sea, the twins observed sporadic islands that appeared and dissolved back into chaos moments later. These islands were unstable, ephemeral glimpses of what could be but were not yet permanent.
Elara leaned forward; her eyes wide with curiosity. “Why do these islands disappear so quickly?”
Ic’thyggurh’s voice rumbled from beneath them. “These are fragments of potential, possibilities that have not yet been anchored by purpose or will.”
Elros furrowed his brow, pondering Ic’thyggurh’s words. “Then how do we create something stable, something that lasts?”
Ic’thyggurh paused in its movement, its tentacles swaying gently in the chaotic waters. “To create true stability, you must imbue your creation with intent and balance. The harmony between chaos and order must be maintained.”
For some reason, I have this vague sense that this is something we can do, but... why? Elros couldn’t help but ponder this as he watched his sister wave her arms excitably as she spoke to Ic’thyggurh. A small smile broke his lips as he admired how his sister seemed to take everything in stride with an almost infectious enthusiasm.
Elara's excitement was palpable as she spun around on Ic’thyggurh’s head, her long hair trailing behind her like a comet’s tail. “What if we made the islands stronger? What if we gave them a purpose?”
Elros turned to her, intrigued. “But how do we give them purpose? We’re still figuring out what our purpose is.”
Ic’thyggurh's voice resonated softly, carrying wisdom. “Purpose arises from understanding. Your desires, your dreams, and your intentions will breathe life into the land you wish to create. The connection between your hearts and the world around you will dictate what comes into being.”
Elara’s eyes sparkled with inspiration. “Then let’s dream together! What do we want this land to be like? Also, what is a dream? Can you tell us, sir Ic?”
Ic’thyggurh’s many tentacles swayed gently, creating ripples in the water as it considered Elara’s question. “A dream is a vision of what you wish to create, a reflection of your desires and aspirations. It can be shaped by your experiences and your heart’s deepest yearnings. To dream is to imagine what could be, to see beyond the present moment into the realm of infinite possibilities.”
Elara’s face lit up, and she twirled again, her excitement bubbling over. “So, our dreams can shape the world? We can make it beautiful and lively!”
Elros, feeling inspired by his sister's enthusiasm, added, “And we can create a land where chaos and order coexist peacefully. A place where all things can flourish.”
Ic’thyggurh nodded, its voice deep and resonant. “Indeed. Your dreams are powerful. They can breathe life into the void, anchoring your creations in the fabric of existence. But remember, dreams must be balanced with intent. Without direction, they may spiral into chaos.”
Elara furrowed her brow, her mind racing with possibilities. “What if we made a place full of color, where creatures can dance and play freely?”
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Elros chimed in, “And where there are trees for shade, rivers to drink from, and hills to explore. We need to think about how everything works together.”
Ic’thyggurh hummed approvingly, the sound echoing through the depths of the sea. “Let your imagination flow. Picture the land you wish to create and infuse it with your intentions. What you envision will guide your creation.”
The twins took a moment, closing their eyes to delve into their thoughts. Elara saw vibrant flowers swaying in a gentle breeze, creatures frolicking under a warm sun, and streams sparkling like diamonds. Elros envisioned towering trees with strong roots, the gentle sound of flowing water, and a harmonious balance of light and shadow.
Their brows furrowed as they focused on their goal. Dreaming of a mystical land that has never been. When they opened their eyes, and looked around, their reactions couldn’t have been any different. Elros’s eyes squinted as he tried to perceive any changes in terrain, while Elara shrugged and paced around in thought. Ic’thyggurh’s eyes shined as he watched the twins. It knew what went wrong, but kept quiet as it waited for one of them to ask.
In moments, Elara straightened her posture and focused with her eyes wide open. She turned in the direction she had wished for land to grow and felt something from the pit of her stomach burst open and flow through her. Then she noticed faint blue stings floating in the space above the sea and reached out to it. She didn’t will for anything and just brushed her open palms through the faint lights in the air. Elara jumped back in fright when the space she touched vanished into nothing. She stared at the void in front of her in shock and a faint fear, but there was a semblance of curiosity too.
What... What was that? She thought.
Her brother looked on in surprise, “How did you do that? What was that?”
Ic’thyggurh curled its tentacle in a curious gesture, and posed it to its chin, “Now that is curious indeed, I believe you just beckoned the powers of oblivion with your will. You are a special one.”
Ic’thyggurh's voice, filled with wonder and awe despite its gravelly depth, echoed through the void. "To think she would become this of all beings. Even her presence has vanished.” Are you sure about this, Mother? Making her your heir, even though she embodies Oblivion?
It paused as it gathered its thoughts before continuing, Chaos is the origin of Creation, birthing all life and the first gods. Oblivion is the pinnacle of destruction, the essence of nothing, the void that came before you.
The shifting black sea formed the face of an elderly mother watching over her children. She spoke telepathically: I am certain. I have grown tired of my role and wish to rest. Elara has a good heart, a curious mind, and an indomitable will. On the other hand, her brother," The mother's voice softened, "struggles with paranoia and distrust, and his imagination is limited. He may not go far, but I hope he will be a good brother to her.
Ic’thyggurh gave a subtle nod and shifted its attention back to his little sister. She twirled and danced in the air as she brushed her hand through the many threads of mana within the air. Her snow-white feathered wings fluttered playfully with each shift in direction, her voice lilted like the soft tone of a wind chime in a gentle breeze. Elara left entire gashes of nothingness in her wake, yet as the horror watched, they mended without a scar. Looks like she has quite the talent.
Back where the face of chaos had appeared, there was no trace of her presence. Only the lingering response she left indicated she had ever been there in the first place. That she does.
While the two elder entities spoke, Elara chatted with her brother with palpable enthusiasm. She had been too absorbed in her new ability to hear her brother’s initial question. “Look, look! I can fly and make things vanish!”
Elros chuckled and shook his head as he watched on with a fond smile, “That you can, though, how did you do that?”
“I just focused really, really hard trying to figure out what went wrong. Then something within here went pop and exploded!” She motioned at her core before she added, “Now I feel this warm, yet comforting energy flowing within me.”