As the carriage approached the massive outer wall of the ‘City of Gods’ known as Elrund the structure of the wall and white gates started to become more visible. The wall appeared to be created of massive slabs of pure white marble. Each slab was precisely the same size and the gaps between slabs were so small that one would doubt whether a flee would be able to squeeze between. The large white gates that currently stood open were bordered by what appeared to be statues of many magnificent figures. These statues numbered in the thousands easily but only five statues stood atop the wall above the gate. Their designs and details were too far from the ground to be made out, but the midday sunlight cast large shadows onto all those entering the city as if to say that all were under their gaze.
Soon the carriage entered the area underneath the gate. They were stopped by a pair of two people dressed in plain white robes and a hood so deep that it covered their faces. These were a simple pair of squires who worked at the various temples within the city and for the city itself. They, like all other squires, wished to work their way up to priesthood and then ultimately if they could attain it, the rank of Archon. An Archon would be known as the person closest to a god, they would be said to hear whispers from the god themselves to pass down in their teachings.
The squires steadily approached the carriage and asked the driver as to their purpose in visiting the city. This was common practice and only squires who had been trained in the detection of lies would be set to this duty. This city was sacred and the priests and Archons would not let any issue arise here. The driver was quick to respond to their soft-spoken question stating that the ‘young lord’ had turned the age of seven yesterday and had been brought here to have the Awakening Rite performed.
After confirming this to be true via their secret methods they allowed the carriage to continue, stepping forward towards the next carriage in line. The Losler carriage began to roll through the gate. At first, the shadow of the thick marble walls stopped Jien from being able to see the city itself, however after a few minutes they had finally passed into the city proper.
The cobblestone streets were easily wide enough for five carriages to ride side by side. The buildings lining the street all being made of the same pure white marble as the outer walls and gates. The first group of buildings were built rather close to each other and were very simple in design. These buildings were mainly inns and restaurants managed by the different temples of the city. Often the restaurants would be managed by those worshiping a god of food or drink. The inns were often managed by worshipers of a god of hospitality. It was rare to see one of these establishments not run by a group of followers of a god related to their theme.
The carriage stopped before a rather plain-looking inn, much like the others in this area. The carriage driver quickly dismounted, opening the carriage door to let the Losler pair step out. As the father and son pair dismounted from the carriage they stretched lightly as they had been riding in a small space for more than a few hours. After a short stretch, Lord Losler led his son down the street to a small and plain-looking restaurant. It was midday by this point and about time that they stopped for lunch and to have one of the most important discussions that would impact the lives of all who complete the Mana Awakening Rite, which god to choose to follow.
The choice of what god to follow, or if to follow any was an important one. While one could unseal their mana with or without choosing a god to follow, following a god had many benefits. Each god would pass down at least one unique spell or spell variation to those that chose to worship them. This would often become the magical staple of those that would worship that god until they learned more standardized magic theory. For those that choose not to worship a god, their mana would be unsealed like all others, but they would not receive that initial spark of knowledge to help smooth their journey in terms of spell casting.
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The Losler pair entered the restaurant and waited patiently to be seated. When in this or any other ‘City of Gods’ outside status meant nothing. Being a city lord of a city in the kingdom made you no better than the average layperson walking these streets. Only those who were Archons, priests, or squires of the gods had any level of prestige in this city. Lord Losler knew this and thus did not push to be seated sooner despite having to wait for a full 20 minutes to get a seat. Of course, during the wait, Jien said nothing of the wait. He understood from his fathers’ actions as well from what he had read about the various ‘Cities of the Gods”. Once they were seated they were provided a menu by a simply dressed waiter. It only took moments for Lord Losler to order both of them the restaurants’ beef stew. Jien did not complain about this, merely waiting for the real reason his father had brought him here. Though it was the proper time of day to eat he would understand that there had to be more to his fathers’ reasoning.
After Lord Losler ordered and the waiter had stepped away to fill the order he turned to his son and asked with a serious look on his face. “Do you have any thoughts on which temple you will choose?” This was the most important matter. If Jien knew at the very least what type of path he would like to follow it would make things easier. There was nearly a temple for everything from brewing/cooking to war. Some were based on abstract concepts such as law, order, and even chaos. None were restricted and those of the city would never judge a person for their choice.
Jien turned his eyes towards his father after pondering for more than a few minutes. “I feel a draw to the path of knowledge.” He spoke in a gentle tone that only his father would be able to hear. Lord Losler blinked a few times upon hearing this, as most youths would choose something hot-blooded like the sword, war or if taking the way of a pure mage even the way of fire. It was at this time that he inwardly laughed to himself, of course, Jien would choose something like knowledge as his path. Look how many books he had read and would continue to read in the future. Look at the vast spread of topics he had read about.
Lord Losler smiled lightly, “There are several gods in this category that I am sure that you have read about to some extent. There is the Goddess of Enlightenment, The God of Memory, The Goddess of Magic is loosely related to knowledge in her own way.” Lord Losler gave his son some time to think on the topic. This was an important choice and rushing such a thing could only lead to possible regret in the future.
Soon the pairs’ food arrived, and they chose to eat in silence. This was to allow Jien ample time to think of choices that may be his true calling in terms of magic. The meal of stew, fresh-baked bread, and salad was pleasant but nothing extraordinary. They were used to being served food prepared by one of the best chefs in Afrem City. This could not compare in terms of flavor but neither complained, finishing their meal and paying with a few silvers.
It was only after they stood to leave the restaurant that Jien spoke to speak again. His tone was gentle as ever but not hard for his father to pick up as he stated “I once read about a God of Tomes.” At the mention of this Lord Losler froze for a moment and looked at his son with a strange look. “I have never heard of or been taught of such a god. Not in my time or my fathers’ time or his fathers’ time was there ever mention of such a path.” Lord Loslers’ brows furrowed, he, his father, and his grandfather down the line had tended to be administrators of the territory that would become Afrem City. In their history, passing this responsibility down from generation to generation they had all tended to choose a path related to leadership. One may ask what you could possibly get in terms of magic from a god or goddess revolving around leadership. They may be surprised to find that there was quite a lot to offer, boons for one’s troops, spells to assist in perceiving problems between those running an administration, even gods known to help the rise of great kings.
Lord Losler looked Jien in the eyes before nodding and smiling gently. "If I have not heard of them that means nothing. There are many gods and many teachings, one can hardly keep track of them all without records. However, there is just such a place that can help us find out."