Chapter 43: The Stirrings of Gods and Beasts

"What does she think she is doing?" Tryst demanded as they watched the ancient Shigora fawn over Velemir's champion.

The deities of Velum were in an uproar, well, all but Velemir himself. He could care what happened below, as long as it was entertaining. The others did not see this the same way.

"I have given him everything that he could ask for with my blessing! What more could he gain from the Beast of Discord?!" Algris demanded. He had almost put as much into Gideon's blessing as he did his own champions class.

Velemir simply shrugged, his gaze unwavering as he watched the unfolding drama in the world below with an expression of detached amusement. "The workings of mortals, and even of those like Shigora, are beyond our full understanding or control," he said. "Perhaps she sees potential in him that aligns with her own ambitions."

Morghen, the god of War and Valor, clenched his fists in frustration. "Whatever her reasons, we cannot allow Shigora to manipulate the fates of kingdoms as though they are pieces on a game board. Gideon must remain free from her influence if he is to succeed."

"The boy's destiny is already intertwined with many threads," Eldaer, the deity of Life and Healing, spoke up, his voice the embodiment of calm amidst the brewing storm of divine dissent. "We must trust in his strength and the guidance we each have provided. After all, it was we who chose him."

Tryst, her features alight with a mixture of concern and indignation, continued to pace. "But what if Shigora offers him a deal he cannot refuse? We all know the cost of her favors. What then?"

Haroun, the god of Trade, Wealth, and Prosperity, chimed in, his tone rich as the gold he favored. "Then our investments in him could be compromised. A pawn between deities is no king to any kingdom."

The Divine Septet watched over Velum, their celestial domain filled with tension. They had each invested part of their divine essence into Gideon, hoping he would shape the world according to their virtues. Now, the shadow of discord threatened to taint their careful plans.

Velemir, ever the craftsman, viewed the situation as he did all things—through the lens of creation and outcome. "Let us watch and see how our Master Craftsman navigates these treacherous waters," he suggested. "After all, a good craftsman not only builds but also adapts, overcoming challenges as they arise."

"Do you really think that we will just be able to watch if he sides with an old one? You know what that will mean, right? Do you really think that I will just stay here and let the Beasts rule the world we were gifted to watch over? Do you really think I will allow a mortal to spit in my face after giving him my blessing?!" Algris demanded golden light boiling off him, but Morghen matched his ferocity as red light radiated from him.

"And what will you do? You would descend just to smite a single mortal? Do not play me or the others for fools! You just want to rule the place but you will just bring the world to ruin! If you descend, I shall too! If the mortal realm is already teeming with Beasts, then I shall guide my people and champion by my own hand as a God King! Hahaha!" Morghen barked out with a laugh at the end, but this made the others speak out.

The room erupted in a cacophony of divine protest. Each deity, with their own vision and vested interests, feared the consequences of another's precipitous actions.

"Enough," Tryst interjected, her voice cutting through the chaos like the calm after a storm. "We cannot lose ourselves to infighting and rash decisions. Doing so would only play into the hands of beings like Shigora."

Haroun stepped forward, adjusting the celestial cuffs around his wrists. "Tryst speaks wisdom. Our trust in Gideon must be steadfast, and our support unwavering. We must not allow ourselves to be baited into a war amongst ourselves. That is what Shigora, and all like her, would desire."

Eldaer nodded in agreement. "Our role is to guide, to nurture, to heal—not to dominate. To intervene directly would be to unravel the delicate tapestry of fate we've woven. Let us observe, but let us also be ready to assist in subtle ways, as we have always done."

Velemir leaned back, his expression one of contemplation. "It is clear that passions run high," he pondered. "But we must remember the role we play in the balance of this world. Our champion is strong, yet not invincible. Let us give him the chance to prove the worth of our blessings, the mettle of his spirit, unhindered by our direct interference... for now."

Algris, though still bristling with golden energy, seemed to take a moment to digest the counsel of his peers. The room settled into a tenuous peace as each god and goddess considered the way forward—watchful, but restrained.

Their collective gaze returned to the mortal realm, eyes probing through the weave of reality, searching for signs of Gideon's choices and the ripples they would send across Velum. For it would be in those ripples that the true testament of their divine intentions would be found.

---

"Do you really think that it is wise to play with one of the Divine Septet's toys? You know what will happen if you take him as your own?" Voria asked as she rested on a chair made from a gray cloud that crackled with lighting.

Shigora just smiled, but then looked over at Elyssia, who was not looking at her, or anyone else. "So, how has life as a librarian been treating you? So sneaky of you to get to him before me, but, you still let me have him? In fact, you led him to me, but why?"

Elyssia, her presence serene amidst the charged tension, finally turned to face Shigora. Her voice was calm, a stark contrast to the charged energy that surrounded them.

"Because, dear Shigora, sometimes, it is the quietest whispers that carry the greatest truths. The young prince needed guidance—not to be shackled by it, but to learn and discover his path. And what better way than under the guise of a humble librarian?"

Voria nodded, her interest piqued. "A clever play indeed. You let him think he's leading, all the while guiding him from the shadows. But don't forget, the others won't sit idly by if they think their champion is threatened."

Shigora's smile didn't waver. "Let them fret and fume. In the end, it is the choices of mortals that twist the fabric of fate. I merely offer opportunities—paths for Gideon to consider. What he does with them, which roads he chooses to walk... that's where the real game lies. And as for the Divine Septet, they may realize that even gods can learn something from the deeds of men."

Elyssia finally smiled, the hint of a greater scheme flickering behind her eyes. "Indeed. This world is a library of stories, each soul a book. It's in the reading, the subtle turn of pages where wisdom is found. And perhaps, in their oversight, the gods will learn the value of a more... delicate touch."

"I think that you guided the boy to Algris," The voice of Mordain, Beast of Fear said as he emerged from the shadows. "If I am not mistaken, the deity of Knowledge and Wisdom rejected your advances in the last war, yes?"

All of the women turned on the defensive to face the intruder, but he put his hands up if you could call them that. Mordain's hands were more like shadows themselves, shifting and hard to focus on, the embodiment of the fears that he commanded.

"There's no need for hostility," Mordain said, his voice as shifting and intangible as his form. "I only speak of what is known among us. Algris's scorn is not a secret, nor is your penchant for meddling, dear Elyssia. I personally applaud both of your meddling," he said, turning to Shigora. "I truly do wish for the boy to take your offer! The world has been silent for too long, but the scent of fear is on the wind with Akasha on the move! To bring the Divine Septet down to the mortal realm would just be the icing on the cake!"

Shigora responded with a wry smile, neither confirming nor denying Mordain's suspicions. "Fear can be quite the motivator, Mordain, but it's not the only tool at our disposal. As for the Septet descending, that would indeed be a dramatic turn of events—though I suspect they'll hold themselves back, for fear of the consequences."

Elyssia remained silent, her gaze contemplative, as if the words spoken were pieces on a chessboard she was skillfully playing. Voria, meanwhile, resumed her relaxed posture, unbothered by Mordain's insinuations.

"The actions of the Divine Septet will be telling," Voria commented, thoughtfully. "No matter the outcome, the ripples will be felt across all of Velum, and perhaps beyond."

Mordain nodded in agreement, his form coalescing into something more solid as he leaned casually against a shadowy corner. "Indeed. It will be quite the spectacle. And amidst the chaos, anything could happen."

The four elder beings watched, some with anticipation, others with a more scholarly curiosity, as events continued to unfold in the world below. Gideon's path, and the choices he would make, were of great interest to them all—a focal point where the threads of fate danced precariously close to unraveling.

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