Snippet #2265515

10 years ago, the moon lands was a wild place with barely any humans living there. It darkness gave people from Lomea Major a feeling of insecurity, not even bandits dared to enter the moon lands. Other than the house of Amaya, there were only few native humans there. The largest settlement ten years ago only had 40 inhabitants, mostly consisting of moonlandian tribal hunters who occasionally sold furs to those from the outside.

With the beginning of the purge and the rediscovery of the goddess Aia, more and more people sought refuge in the moon lands. Amaya and the Moonlandians welcomed the refugees as it was against the culture of the Moonlandians to be distant or hostile towards outsiders. Myths say, those with good intentions who come to the moon lands are protected by Aia herself.

The priestess of Aia, Amaya offered the refugees to build on the land and she will protect them until they are strong enough to defend themselves. Over the years, a city grew forth. Amaya governs the moon lands as its protector, though her not aging may seem suspicious.


The story begins in the city of Aianaten, the very city that grew over the past decade. Tens of thousands live here surrounded by three protective walls, one for each district further out. In the middle of the city lies the temple of Aia and Amayas fortified house.

Sitting on the steps of the temple that overlooked the city, Amaya watched the bustling town. A group of young defender recruits came up the steps. The temple had 1200 steps with a flat surface after every twenty. For those not willing to go up all the steps, there was already a shrine to Aia after 40 steps. The lift was still in construction. As the recruits came past Amaya, each nodded in respect to her.

"Tomorrow is your big day. You will be admitted into the defensive force and will be given the essence of Aia. It is unbelieveable what we had achieved in the past 10 years. I remember when this temple was in decay. But now it stands glory with its light grey marble with an appearance like it was new. But I sense a danger coming our way. In case of dire need, Aia will personally come and protect us." Amaya said.

"We will pray that we will have the strength to oppose the dangers that threaten our people." The defender captain said.

Another man came by, he was old and part of the council formed around Amaya. "I heard about your foresight and I am for that we march with our legions to Lomea Major and have the followers of Jonar beg for Aia's mercy. Then they will notice that their god is a false one." He said.

Amaya then answered: "I do not want to hear such bigotry from you. Our forces will not take a step into Lomea Major. Their duty is to protect our land and our people. Not to kill and pillage those of Jonar. You should talk about Jonar as a false god either. If you want to see yourself as a scholar, you should study the scriptures better. Aia and Jonar were once lovers, but Jonar had become distant and weak. The corruption of his people weakened him. The priests of Jonar had erased Aias presence from the scriptures and now only few can hear Jonars voice. If the people of Jonar need to do anything, then they need to learn to follow their heart and be hospitable. Then Jonar could have the power to avert the corruption of his priests."

"Hear the voice of Jonar? I cannot even hear the voice of Aia! I thought only prophets and clergy can hear the voices of gods." The councilman said.

"Aia is very near. You just need patience and sometime you will know the voice of Aia. Maybe you have already heard her voice and haven't recognized it. Just keep calm. Stay friendly and cheer up." Amaya said as she stood up. "If you cheer up, then I will talk to Aia and she might present you with a gift or reveal her voice to you, Darius Moran." Amaya then headed up the stairs.

The councilman that said to himself: "Today, is my first day. I haven't even introduced myself. Maybe someone already told her of my coming as councilman. Anyways, that young woman is a mystery to me. She has the burden of thousands of citizens on her back, yet she seems to be carefree. Now I know why the others speak so highly of her." He snickered and a light smile came onto his face. He continued up the steps. For his 60 years of age, the steps gave him the exercise to keep him healthy.