Alastia

(Authors note: This story will branch out into many threads but all are considered canon, it's just different points of view of the same story. For those who want more of this story and other works, I plan on expanding on this through Patreon, link in my bio. Hope you enjoy .)

'Darkness, before time, before life. That is all that there was. '

'Then light, a star was born, illuminating the cosmos and revealing the moons of creation. When light hit the greatest moon of them all, The moon of Time, it's magic was reflected back and time began. The other moons various aspects swirled and came together to create, to roil and change the fabric of space.

'Out of the maelstrom 'they' were created. The Gods. Beings of vast unimaginable power, but still only a whisper of the light of the moons.'

'Then came the world. The planet created to hang around it's sun and dance with the moons effects, covering its surface with water and life...'

Orisata stroked his beard as he read the passage. It was just a scientific theory of creation but it gave him comfort in trying times and the recent days had been trying him more than he liked to admit to his worried followers.

As the leader of the Council of Hastaluna, Patriarch of the greater Moon of Time, he was the one everyone turned to for answers, although being in charge of such a small population meant he did not think too highly of himself. His old bones had him in a perpetual stoop as he used his staff to shuffle around the library to pursue more books, a welcome distraction which sadly for him, did not last long.

The door flung open, dust blew from some of the older parchments and Orisata hastily held them down, his head turning and frowning at the newcomer. It was just one of the temple scholars, Orisata knew him for his work on the great gears that helped turn the grand telescope there.

"He is leaving... now." The young man blurted out. "Will you not see him depart?"

"Yes..." Orisata said. "I suppose that would be prudent..." He grumbled as he set down the latest book he was interested in and started to slowly make his way to the door.

The air was cold and thin outside, it always was at this altitude. Wind whipped around the old man making him clutch his robes more tightly as he walked to the edge of the village where the hope of his nation was waiting.

Orisata could see him now. Jara, his best and brightest pupil, thin tattered robes covering his body as he made his final preparations to leave. On the horizon to the north lay Jara's daunting destination, The mighty Nation of Alastia. His own nation of Hastaluna was older and in it's own way perhaps even more mysterious but this did not ease his mind. He knew the secret at the heart of Alastia, as did Jara and it worried him deeply that this course of action was the only way forward.

"I don't suppose I have to tell you to be careful..." Orisata solemnly muttered as he glanced Jara up and down one last time.

Jara rolled his eyes, a habit that annoyed the old man. Jara's ego far outweighed his station, however even Orisata had to admit, not without some justification. Jara was brilliant. The Sage of Time had not known anyone to think as Jara did when applying practical applications of Luna magic. If there was anyone that could succeed in this secret mission, it was him.

"Time?" Jara asked bluntly. His eyes piercing out to the horizon.

"Six, Thirty seven." Orisata sighed. "Second of May to be more precise." He added for some levity. Jara did not dignify him with a reaction. Orisata continued, trying to match his 'just business' tone. "You have twenty eight hours to get into position." He followed Jara's gaze looking out to the desert that began at the mountains foot. "It's a long walk. You better get going. At least it's down hill."

Jara grinned for the first time. Orisata was under no illusion that his second attempt to lift the mood worked. Something else amused his pupil. The man checked his few belongings with a quick pat down, then grabbed a pouch and peered inside. His grin getting much wider. With no word or farewell he started his march down the long, seldom used mountain road towards Alastia. He said no words as he left, no hesitation or fear. Orisata could almost detect a spring in his step. It made him all the more uneasy.

Jara was no fool. What he was about to do might lead to his ****, his failure would be the **** of them all and he seemed excited. Over confidence would be one explanation but Orisata was also no fool. He knew Jara well. As brilliant as he was and for as much respect as such talent could earn, he knew Jara's character had a darkness to it, one that perhaps he should have paid more heed to. The magic that now dwelt within him, the potential was unlike anything in the world. In truth, it was Alastia that was the unlikely underdog here.

Orisata frowned, his wrinkled forehead creating deep rivets in his skin. Perhaps it was not Jara failing that worried him. Perhaps it was the consequences of him succeeding.