ii. The Blessed Ones

It was the 999th year since The Great Death, Peace Day. Or, what should've been Peace Day, at least. The gods stood and looked down on their creation in sorrow.

"They will never gather again, will they?" Tears welled up in Keres' eyes. Islywn wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side.

"They will, when the young ones are found. Our kingdoms still stand as Cá has not yet smote them into oblivion. That is a good sign."

"Are we even sure that there are still some around? I thought the lines would've ended after this long."

"I am sure. My last reached maturity three generations ago," Nephthys sighed. "I did not enjoy faking my own death again."

"Alright, then our options are children of these 8 families." Cá made mini figures appear before them, representing each child. "We will meet again in 10 minutes after our decisions are made."

When ten minutes passed the siblings met again. Much to their dismay, some of them had chosen the same child.

"This is ridiculous. Why do you want the one I picked?" Siri and Nephthys tugged back and forth on one of the figurines.

"Why do you havs three figurines in your hand, Pæon? You must only choose one," Islywn grumbled at the younger god.

"But I like them all. Are you sure there aren't more families?" Pæon turned to Cá with a pout.

Bakkhos and Disdemona gave their siblings matching looks. A shadow creature slinked out from Bakkhos' sleeve and weaved between the 5 bickering gods, effectively silencing them. The creature disappeared into the air as Disdemona addressed the group.

"Now, it seems that we are having some difficulty deciding. Remember that the young one you choose represents not only themself and their kingdom but us as well. They exemplify the characteristics that define us as divine beings. Our strength, skill, caring, bravery, tenacity, and warmth. These children will be working together no matter how we choose. However, our choices will define who they become when this is over."

"Dizzy is right. We are acting like fools. Fighting over claim on these children as if they're the last toy." Bakkhos looked at the figurine in his hand then lowered it with a sigh. "We are gods, divine beings, but most of all we are a family. If we wish for this to succeed, then we must come to an agreement. There is too much on the line for us to scrap all that we have built and start over. Understood?"

". . . Yes, Bakkhos."
"I guess you're right."
"I hate when you and Dizzy do this."

"You know baby brother," Cá came up and wrapped his arm aroun Bakkhos' shoulders, "your inspirational speeches are really improving. They're almost as good as mine."

Bakkhos pushed his arm off and stepped away. "Now is not the time for your foolishness. It is a wonder that you're the eldest."

Once the siblings seemed to settle, they revisited the children they had to choose from. They disregarded all of the younger ones and left only the older ones. The gods were sure that they would be able to handle the hardships they would endure.

"Now, have we all come to a decision?" Disdemona asked while holding her figurine gently. Her siblings nodded while showcasing their own figurines. "Great. Cá, if you wouldn't mind."

Cá smiled and took Disdemona's place at the front. "It would be my pleasure. Brothers, sisters, in our hands we hold the key to the future of our lands. The pride and joy of our own creative minds and all that we stand for as gods, as siblings, and as people. This will not be easy for them or for us. Our intervention must remain minimal and our hope unwavering. I am sound in my decision. Are you sound in yours?"

The siblings nodded. Pride swelled in their chests for the Phaetrans they had chosen.

"Then with that in mind: I, Cá, the God of Law, Justice, and Storytelling, swear by the stars that I put my utmost trust and faith in Haelyn Dhariana Halliwell, Crown Princess of Prota. As my chosen, I bless her to know the difference between what she sees and what is truly there. May her heart be pure, and may the truth always find her."

"I, Islywn, the God of Warcraft, Craftsmanship, and Sanctuary, swear by the stars that I put my utmost trust and faith in Cassiopeia Blythe Forsberg, Soldier of Dione. As my chosen, I bless her to know when best to attack and when best to defend. May she be as welcoming as her blade is sharp."

"I, Disdemona, the Goddess of the Sky and Innovation swear by the stars that I put my utmost trust and faith in Feyre Ashtyn Lightwood, Huntress of Impisi. As my chosen, I bless her to have a mind as quick as her tongue. May she enlighten herself to the support of others."

"I, Pæon, the God of Healing swear by the stars that I put my utmost trust and faith in Killian Patrick Virrell Jr., Farmer of Hippolytos. As my chosen, I bless him to always be mindful of the needs of himself and others. May his faith be as strong as his knowledge."

"I, Siri, the Goddess of Guidance and Courage swear by the stars that I put my utmost trust and faith in Bhanu Wren Anaad, Royal Guard of Scylla. As my chosen, I bless him to always know the way, even if it may not seem clear. May his devotion to others extend to himself as well."

"I, Keres, the Goddess of Family and Companionship swear by the stars that I put my utmost trust and faith in Amara Elara Naaji, Archer of Joka. As my chosen, I bless her to fiercely love and protect those close to her. May she remember that love can be as deadly as an arrow."

"I, Nephthys, the Goddess of Agriculture and Wildlife swear by the stars that I put my utmost trust and faith in Maverick Earl Burton, Ranger of Raiona. As my chosen, I bless him to trust others as a farmer trusts his crop to grow each spring. May his duality be his strength in light of his weaknesses."

"I, Bakkhos, the God of Shadows and Safeguards swear by the stars that I put my utmost trust and faith in Lucian Salem Alexios Caradine, Prince of Amagat. As my chosen, I bless his shadows to extend to others in times of need. May he accept himself as he is and his magic as it is."

And as Bakkhos finished speaking his blessing, the figurines transformed into balls of light and fell to the world below.

The gods watched the light fall into each one of their children and the blessings fall over them as they slept. It was only a matter of time now. All they had to do was wait.

Wah, the cast is here !! I'm so excited to get to know all of your characters more deeply. Part of what took me so long was learning your characters in order to determine the god that chose them and the blessing they received (and my schedule). You will learn that the gods are as benevolent as they are personal. They are unique individuals, even as divine beings.

School starts this Wednesday for me. After that, I have sorority recruitment for the entire last week of August. That being said,

opinions are due Sunday September 1.

opinions go here:

This should be enough time, but let me know if you need more. I won't start writing until my schedule starts to calm down. And just so you know, characters that didn't get cast for the main 8 can still show up 👀, so don't go anywhere too soon.

Congrats to the main cast! All the ocs were made by these wonderful people:

moonyfilms -IvyClove- achilles_s cherrytea- -TravisInHell pxperrxngs erytophobia

xoxo, Sage ♡