I can't say I remember much from my youth. Like a flowing stream, nothing before the war was ever stagnant. Change had become one of nature's laws, like the falling of leaves and the blooming of flowers. Back then, summer was my favorite, always starting around the Sixth lunar cycle. Besides the warmth of the three suns and the coolness of the waters, the main reason I liked summer was the break from school.
During those months, while the insects seemed the loudest, my younger brother Lumen and I would play mediator in the garden. Swinging swords. Casting spells. By sunset, our forearms would be writhing in pain. Mom had always hated the cleanup of muddied footsteps and grass-covered clothes. I can still recall this one time where Lumen and I were playing around; rain was lashing, and when I tell you my mom was furious for dirtying up her freshly cleaned floors— hahaha, it was hilarious.
I wish we played together more often.
School days were the worst. Being with my family was the only time I felt accepted. As my parents would say, "An eye brighter and more golden than the three suns, and an eye greener than the greenest emerald." Hmph. I wasn't even born to them, yet they treated me better than any other person could. I wasn't bullied per se, but more so that I was excluded. Avoided. Classmates whispering to themselves. Instructors with the look I've experienced all too well, yet still can't describe. Maybe disgust or maybe hatred.
It didn't help that all the instructors were Arinian priests. Arinia was the epicenter of all things connected to The Mother– the goddess of this cruel world. As you might assume, it was also the richest of the Lands. The land of Beldalay, where I grew up, wasn't too poor, due to its fishing port. Though with the taxes imposed by the church, even my father, with his high-paying banker salary, still was not able to compete with other lands' prices. When it came down to it geographically, if you didn't live in Gorstin, you were looked down upon. And from there stemmed even more niche social hierarchies.
I think that's why I had always dreamed of being a mediator. Bound to no land, free to explore wherever. They never achieved the same political standing as The Church, yet they were respected no matter what. In fact, my first meeting with a mediator took place during lecture time.
Priest Robert was the one to announce their arrival. "Now, everyone, we have a special guest today. Though they are not the most agreeable in terms of maintaining The Church's standards. They are still an integral part of how our mother's blessed world works. Please stand for the introduction of Solist, Representative of Beldalay, member of The Mediator's Guild." He said, tone flat and dismissive.
The man who walked through those doors brought an air of pressure with him. At first glance, you could tell he was someone who experienced an adventurous life. I'd say the scars gave that away the most. Slashes along his face, and deep claw marks along the sides of his shaven head. His voice echoed harshly and raspy as he spoke. "Ahem— Hello, youngins. So… yes your young, and yes, this won't really concern you, hopefully, for quite some time, yet still. Like Priest Robert said..."
"A gross, aggressive side eye flashed upon the priest's face, if only to confirm his distaste for the individual." The cat said as he finished his writing with a stretch. " Hmm— that wraps it up for today." Scraping against the flooring, the cat pushed back his chair, getting prepared to blow out the desk candle, barely holding its flame as the night's wind whisked through the paneled window. In reply to his tiredness, the remaining dunnock bird swooped into the room, squawking and chirping. With a flash of green in the air rolling towards the ground, out burst a robed, brown-haired boy with large feathered wings along his back. In a mocking child-like anger, he stood and spoke, brushing off his covered knees from the landing. "That's it for today? How can you end it like that? He was just about to get to the cool part. What about the mediators?"
"What about the mediators, Giel?" The cat retorted, with sleep calling his name. "Idk… like why are they important? Or who is this Solist guy? Sounds like he's going to play an important role." Giel said eagerly. "Giel, I'm tired. Nothing interesting happens at least for like 5 more years—"
"Please," Giel said, drawn out, interrupting the cat. Giving in to the pressure,e the cat agreed. "Fine. If you must know…" A sigh escaped the cat's mouth as he pondered. Scratching his neck, he continues. "No, Solist isn't important. He dies less than a year into the war. Just like other everyday citizens. Pen right this down." As commanded, the black-inked dipped feather rose from the desk, ready to write.
The Importance of mediators aligns with the balance needed to be maintained. Just like there are two sides to every coin, there are also two sides to every law. Think… after effects. Though yes, a law restricting the magic of belief went into effect, due to The Church's actions and influence. What about the beliefs and magic from before? Those gods didn't just vanish.
Some lay dormant in caves and forests. On the other hand, some we still see, like the wyverns and serpents that soar through the sky or dig through the earth. And this is where the role of a mediator comes in. They traverse the world, establishing and maintaining peace with these worldly gods, ensuring the people's safety. That is why they are respected, even by The Church.
"But how can they do all this while still being under the church's law?" Said Giel as he now rested his head on the arm of the long leather sofa.
The Church's law stands no chance against the creator of this world, The Mother. She is the one who allowed the existence of worldly gods. So, though the new law tries to stop new gods, it isn't perfect. New gods can still be created, and old gods can still be woken. In fact, mediators, if lucky, can still make pacts with the old gods, touching back into the power of belief. That is another reason why the church chose to allow them to exist. So-called peace has already been achieved, so why tempt another war?
"There is one other duty of the mediators. This one lesser kn–... and you're asleep,"
Rising once again from his chair, the cat headed towards the chest of blankets by the fire, grabbing one for the young dunnock bird boy who was fast asleep before he finished his explanation
Some lay dormant in caves and forests. On the other hand, some we still see, like the wyverns and serpents that soar through the sky or dig through the earth. And this is where the role of a mediator comes in. They traverse the world, establishing and maintaining peace with these worldly gods, ensuring the people's safety. That is why they are respected, even by The Church.
"But how can they do all this while still being under the church's law?" Said Giel as he now rested his head on the arm of the long leather sofa.
The Church's law stands no chance against the creator of this world, The Mother. She is the one who allowed the existence of worldly gods. So, though the new law tries to stop new gods, it isn't perfect. New gods can still be created, and old gods can still be woken. In fact, mediators, if lucky, can still make pacts with the old gods, touching back into the power of belief. That is another reason why the church chose to allow them to exist. So-called peace has already been achieved, so why tempt another war?
"There is one other duty of the mediators. This one lesser kn–... and you're asleep,"
Rising once again from his chair, the cat headed towards the chest of blankets by the fire, grabbing one for the young dunnock bird boy who was fast asleep before he finished his explanation