Origins of Ainanos
Isidor spent much of the day exploring the ancient city of Sirion in search of a place to erect a shrine in the name of Ainanos. He quickly found himself overwhelmed with the rich layers of history found around every corner. Worn and weathered statutes stood as sentries throughout the many gardens of Sirion and filled Isidor with a sense wonder.
Not until much later, nearing dusk, would the High Priest stumble upon a suitable location for the shrine. It is was a small wild flower patch just a few steps from the Tezokian Gardens, this an unofficial title but named so due to the multitude of statues depicting Doranthir Tezokian; former Prime Minister. With the word given a small contingent of believers began to construct the humble, monolithic structure; taking great care when chiseling holy symbol of Ainanos. As they worked Isidor took to addressing all those who passed. Some would continue walking, but many seemed to stay a while at the very least.
"Brothers and Sisters of Sirion! Lend me your ears and open your hearts! I shall share with you the very origins of our faith." He began, slowly pacing back and forth. "There first was two, Amille and Atar; beloved Mother and Father. Balance and perfection." Isidor started to use his hands to wave and gesture. "Yet in this harmony Amille began to ache and grow lonely, for her maternal desire to bare children was great. Atar, having seen the loneliness of Amille came unto her and through their union begot Seldo, the Child."
He took a small pause to look at the shrine once more. Clearing his throat and taking a deep breathe, Isidor continued.
"The nature of Seldo began to shift for the Child could neither be as Amille; merciful and compassionate, nor as Atar; wrathfully righteous and lawful to maintain balance. Seldo’s essence would therefore weave through both aspects of Amille and Atar. This too is how he has come to be known to represent luck, randomness, and capriciousness.”
“Amille and Atar gave unto Seldo everything. Together they created the stars above, the earth beneath your feet, the vast oceans, sprawling rivers and magnificent mountain ranges; and yet!” Isidor’s voice rose and fell sharply into a pause, “Seldo grew bored.” The high Priest Shook his head and looked down. After a moment he lifted his head with a smile. “But of this boredom are we all to be grateful, most grateful indeed. For then was Seldo gifted man and woman, both created by Amille and Atar in their image.”
Isidor once again took to gesturing with his hands as he spoke, “Seldo was quite fond of mankind. The Child would occasionally pick them up and move them, making them fight or breed, live or die. Soon however, Amille grew concerned as she looked down upon the world and saw it spiral into chaos as its inhabitants were subjected to the whims of Seldo. After all…” Isidor took to the crowd and embraced one of the attendees, “…We are Her children too and our needles suffering broke Her heart.” Isidor held his hands to his heart and a small sigh.
“It was then that both Amille and Atar, Mother and Father, intervened and restored balance and structure to the world; and for a time it was good. Mankind began to thrive and multiply, forming vast empires and civilizations of our own. The Mother and Father helped man achieve peace and order. However…” Isidor’s gaze became dark and menacing, “…while the Father attempted to provide law and justice, some of the men demonstrated a corruption of heart that had never been seen before.”
“War!” Isidor clapped his hands and loudly shouted, “War was waged between man and Atar was overcome with a vial sickness.” The High Priest continued in a darker tone, “Atar then clutched his head in agony, until finally, out from him was created a new being. A being of no shape nor form. An entity unlike any other, a dark energy that spread out into the world, bleeding into the hearts and minds of men. This Darkness is known to the faithful as Ulca, the Deceiver, and his malevolence knows no bounds. He is the foundation of greed, envy and senseless violence.”
Isidor paused; his finger and thumb cradling his chin. “Atar did recover once the darkness had left him but such things born cannot be unborn. It is for this reason we must safeguard our hearts and our minds. We must strive to reflect the divine harmony created by Ainanos, for only then can we know peace. Only then can we truly know mercy and pride.”
“Please, come my newfound Brothers and Sisters. Come and raise your prayers before Ainanos, the Divine Family. Come and prepare to face the Darkness in your lives, not alone, but with family.” Isidor outstretched his arms and welcomed any who would embrace him.
