As Dailin observed the realm outside he recalled the moment his Host of Thivuins marched away from the Oasis, pride swelling in his chest as they did so. They would be quite the sight for anyone seeing them for the first time.

How the Vail would marvel and awe over there workings. Something he himself didn’t know, the Mana made it happened. He only provided the idea and was forever grateful the substance was able to work with just that and bring about what he wanted.

For the first time Dailin wasn’t worried about the Host he’d sent out, all could put up a fight now. Even the largest, save for the Mountains, would have a hard time beating back a Host of Thivuins, and outright lose if they didn’t have high enough numbers.

The suits were large, made the Vail inside them the size of an Ancient. And had enough Mana housed within to make it possible for the Vail to could fight off those same wretched beasts.

Though when compared to his size, the Thivuins only made it to his knees. Dailin smirked as he thought of it, how the suits looked like large toys to him, made more so when he picked them up and played with the ligaments. A large deadly weapon rendered to that of a child’s doll when he held it in his hands.

A truer scene now, given he’d improved himself recently, perhaps gaining another head in length from it. Instinct still hounded him, and dread, but not some much of the second anymore. The first though, had him stay on edge, reminded him he wasn’t safe, not completely. The Oasis provided protection, but if he remained idle, that safety would slowly erode away. The Nightmare was always growing and he in turn and to follow suit. He had too many people relying on him not to.

Dailin disconnected from the panel, one he'd been forced to enlarger, and relaxed in his chair. A wonderful thing that, being able to relax. The strength of the Host had him satisfied, and not all that concerned about how the Vail would act to them. Nor if they believed the warnings his messengers would tell them of. It didn’t matter, for those within the suits were safe regardless. If the Vail had something to counter them, Dailin wouldn’t be upset about that either. He would actually be thrilled, for it meant the Sanctums had the means to defend themselves from the ever-spreading Nightmare.

A Nightmare that was moving up in full now, attacks on his home were becoming common. Though normally filled with regular, but enlarged Nightmares, ones he removed with little effort. But Mountains were arriving as well, now always in pacts of two or three. The beasts were changing in variety too, the Maggot ones still arrived, and the Mountains of flesh. But sometimes there were ones with the appearances of a behemoth. A giant far larger than himself, with four hulking arms of compact muscle and shell. The things always strode towards the Oasis confidently. Where the beasts would use their many fists to hammer upon the Wards with enough force that the impacted caused the sound of thunder to ring out.

Then there was those which resembled crabs. Deathmaws his people called them. Rather than the flesh Mountains dotted with mouths all over them. The crabs only had one which opened wide enough it seemed the entire body was just that. It had many spider-like limbs, and clasping claws attached to absurdly long arms which shot out as fast as a whip. So quick was the speed that Dailin was unable to track the trajectory. One moment the arms were far away, the next claws were bouncing off the defenses of his home.

There were other types such as the onyx circle which rolled everywhere, making enormous tunnels for the lesser Nightmares to follow. Another which resembled an over bloated water bug attached with a long pincer for a face that snapped continuously. Each one had him wondering what the Vail were going to do, for each was covered in runes, each an utter pain to kill.

He had come to the conclusion there wasn't an elegant solution to kill the Mountains. The only option was brute force, one he’d taken to heart and rework the Ward network, and the Hearts they laid within. He hadn’t been idle, instinct wouldn’t allow that, he’d been experimenting with Wards. Created tools of destruction that anyone could use, as long as they could control mana and activate it.

During all the fights with the Mountains, it didn’t take him long to see he was the weak point. All the Mana had to go through him before it could be unleashed into a form he desired. Something he couldn’t tolerate anymore. He needed overwhelming force, a beam of light so powerful that it would dissolve the Mountains in seconds. For that, he needed a better way to convert the Mana into what he wanted.

So he looked towards the Mana itself to provide what he asked. It already could make tools of defense, suits that kept his family safe, why not an offense use as well?

It had been so simple, which was in its self terrifying, how quick he’d been able make a working device. The Mana knew what he wanted, and it provided in its normal frightening standard. Hearts, when activated and armed, would launch out deadly beams of light. All done by the crystal itself, one press of a Ward and off it fired, unleashing its stored Mana into a torrent of death.

An hour of fiddling was all it took, an hour thinking up an idea and begging the Mana to make into being. It was disgusting in a way, how effortless it was, a mockery to all the lives where he’d struggle to make something for months. Sure there’d been some accidents, which would have killed a normal Vail. But that was beside the point, he’d done something that should have taken him hundreds of hours to get right, within a spitting trifle of time.

But maybe that was how it was supposed to be? Just think it, and watch it happen. It certainly did make existence so much sweeter. Enjoyable rather than the slog of effort, which many times came out to be nothing more but pain and frustration.

“But not with you Mana, you wicked and yet wonderful thing.” Dailin mumbled as his eyes glanced over the complicated panel of glowing Wards. A few pushes of those and the colossal Hearts displayed on the outside surface of the Oasis would fire. One which would even cut through Mountains, to his glee. But oh the cost of it, it was a good thing he had the third layer filled to bursting most of the time. For the Hearts could drain it quick if left running.

Not that he would do that, activating a Heart or Heart’s caused the realm outside to burst into flame. The heat of the light so hot the very air burned. The forest with it, which ignited instantly, and the Nightmares, basically everything but the stone itself. But those did begin to smoke and blacken. The sight of it all, the destruction though terrible was in a way beautiful to watch. All his problems, the threats just melting away in front of him.

One use of the Hearts and it was clearly locked in his mind that such weapons were to be used as a last resort, or when he knew with absolute certainty there weren’t any allies around.

He’d been forced to rework the Oasis after the display his weapon had shown. He added smaller Hearts over much of the Oasis outer surface. Ones that would form hands and chains or less destructive spells he could use to remove Nightmares when others he needed to protect were outside.

After the changes and its displays, it made him feel very safe, housed in a home that could defend him and fight back the abominations outside. Ones that kept getting bigger at an increased rate.

The accursed River current had strengthened again, flooding over his home as before. But unlike last time Dailin had yet to make another layer. The Nightmares were too active now where he was. When he had been making one, the damned things attacked while he was outside. They caused him to lose his concentration, as he was to busy killing the beasts to maintain his thoughts on the large floating sections for the Oasis. Down the objects fell, both the pieces and floor they fell upon crumbled.

He’d lost his temper after, and by the time he was done the realm around him was a molten mess. He hadn’t tried again since, the Nightmares just kept flooding up, no matter how many he killed.

'I can only imagine what the Mana is doing to those beasts reproduction cycle.' He thought, envisioning the realm below his feet likely caked in hundreds of thousands of eggs all lining the walls. The beasts inside bursting out and growing to adult size in a matter of minutes. Then larger still after that.

Dailin rubbed his brow at the thought. Of the Nightmares growing, and feeding on Rivers that were flooding the realm.

“Gods this madness has to stop,” he said in a half pray.

If things continued as they were, he saw no future for the Vail as they were at the present. Save for the ones housed in the Oasis. Other than that Dailin could only see death. If the beasts ever became inclined to attack the Sanctums the Wards wouldn’t last long, not against the Mountains and their growing numbers. The Vail inside would be cut completely off guard.

Dailin had lived with them long enough, felt the urge himself to believe in the defenses. Believe the Wards would never fail, that those shimmering walls would hold back the Nightmare no matter how strong the blows.

A pretty and deadly illusion, one the Vail were falling for with little effort. After, once their precious Wards were gone, it would be a massacre. The Vail, he knew, had nothing in their arsenal to fight against a Mountain. Even one might be enough to end everything.

‘Please, gods let those above have something they can use to fight the Mountains back.’ He prayed, and hoped, Dailin didn’t want everything to fall on his shoulders. Didn’t want to actually become the one seen by all to be their savior.

He was a fraud, there was nothing especially about him except for the knowledge he carried. Knowledge he wouldn’t share even as the realm around him began to crumble. Though he didn’t want the Vail to die, he would never trust them with what he had. The Voices, and those above them had shown that a wise choice.

With such knowledge and forever growing power, those at the top, once they were done fighting back the Nightmare. Would turn their eyes to the masses and make all their subjects. Dailin himself might have ended up as an indentured servant again.

It wouldn’t be a kind existences under them, the Flocks had made that abundantly clear with their tales of the Voices rule over the Sanctums. Endless demands met with extreme, and often deadly force when questioned. Or when people failed to achieve what the Voices demanded of them.

Dailin wouldn’t share his secret with those people, any people, not even with the realm going mad. The life awaiting after it was unappealing, one he wouldn’t walk towards or entertain. He would make his own life, and for the people under his care. Enough where they could decide what they wanted for themselves, and he could live his own carefree.

Brushing his hands through his flowing hair, Dailin prayed again. ‘Please gods, it doesn’t have to be much, just enough for the Vail to survive without me.’ He even gave a short prayer to the Giver that she had the strength to help save the Vail.

Anything but him being their only means for salvation because if it was, many Vail were going to die. He was one person, and the Nightmares seemed to be an endless tide. He couldn’t be everywhere, couldn’t fight every battle. The Nightmare would wash over him and he’d be helpless to save those unable to take the bites of the monsters maws.

Though there was one thing he could do, something his family had already requested of him before. With the Sanctums no longer safe, Dailin could move the Oasis close, could evacuate all those interested in leaving. Though doing so would have his home flooded with scheming Vail. Vail who would take the lives of others with little care. Vail who would try to subjugate people because of their worth, try and cause a coup to gain more power and station within the new structure.

The thought of it, of the danger this act would bring gave him pause, he was inclined to leave the Sanctums to their fate.

Yet if he did, if he let thousands die because they could be a danger at first. What would his family think? Family who wished to save those in the Sanctums. Would they think him cruel, yet another master to fear? Or would they accept it because he was divine and above all? The Givers chosen, even though he wasn’t, and decided those in the Sanctums didn’t deserve to be saved.

Dailin fingers tapped against the arms of his chair as he thought about, and began his growing habit of chewing on his lip as he thought.

‘I’ll leave it for the Councilors to decide,' Dailin concluded after a handful of minutes. It was them who actually ran things, kept everything in order and organized the affairs of a city still under construction. They would be the ones to deal with the Vail royalty and their games, and Dailin was sure there would be much of that. Just as there was plenty going on in his home now, even though he couldn’t find any traces of it.

His mind made up Dailin rose from his seat and headed to the Council chamber. When he arrived the place was alive with endless activity. More tables had been brought in, making the once spacious room, cramped. Though there was a path for him, one that stretched from the gate he entered all the way to the Council table. His presence made the room go still as he walked to his seat. People bowed towards him and sent prayers his way. Even Councilors, those not as well known to him, did the same. Only his children refrained from such gestures, knowing that it bothered him more than anything.

“Blessings for us all Divine, on your timely arrival.” Zellebeth said in a devote tone, followed by others that whispered her words.

“In what way?” Dailin asked as he sat and reclined into his monstrous chair.

His son gestured at the map, one that grew in complexity every day. A shame, since the table was running out of room, either they would enlarger the table somehow, or be forced to start all over.

“We were in discussions on what our next course of action is to be once the Mines are depleted.” Vollow said, pointing to the mark that indicated the Oasis current location. By now he and his family had evacuated most of the mines in the area, all of which told the same story. The Voices forcing everyone out, the Sanctums becoming barren, especially in the outer tiers.

A hard image to imagine, given his time in such places. Normally there was barely room to move in the outer tier, the streets clogged, and there was always a group or two you’d have to find a way to skirt around. Now the Flocks told of empty streets, of people hiding most of the time within their estates or joined housing.

“As you know Father, the Mines come to an end soon.” Vollow spoke pointing at the loss line that was the boundary for such. After, though there were mines, all of them had been abandoned. Stripe clean of everything useful decades or more ago. Vollow head rose up to him their eyes meeting, “We wonder Father, what you will have us do next?”

In the past, they would head upward as quickly as possible to find the source of the Rivers. Which was still a goal, but with the increasing current, and the amount which had already come down, it wasn’t his top priority anymore.

He dreaded the growing possibility that he might not be able to fix whatever was causing the mess they were in. Those above, better informed of things and the workings of the realm had failed to stop the Rivers. At least he hoped they were trying to, if they were they had failed, and somehow the situation was growing worse. Enough that if then Nightmares were inclined at this point the beasts could wipe out most of the Vail in the realm.

Though that was an if, it wasn't like the Nightmares needed the Vail anymore, the Rivers took care of all dietary needs. Even he barely ate nowadays, given his size, and felt not even a hint of hunger even after a month of not eating a single bite. He didn’t need to anymore, his body so infused with mana had gone beyond the need for such things.

The same should be the case for the Mountains, though mostly flesh, all were covered with crystal spirals that dotted the entire length of their forms. All of it filled with swirling Mana within.

Dailin was sure if his home hadn’t been feeding off a River itself, he and his family would never or rarely see a Nightmare around. The things would center around the flowing Rivers and leave all else alone. The same should hold true for the Sanctums.

‘Unless a River came into contact with one.’ Dailin thought, which would be a disaster for the Vail hiding within those fragile walls.

“The Oasis will start heading upward in full again,” Dailin said. “But with how eager you all are, I put forward a question.” Many within the chamber turned to stare at him, lured in by his words. “If you all had a choice, do you still wish to help those in the Sanctums? Or instead, head for the source of the Rivers?”

Dailin asked them and watched as his Councilor traded glances, moved their fingers in silent speech. It wasn’t long before Zellebeth turned her looks from them and stared up. “The Sanctums Divine, they need your Light, your Kindness, oh blessed Divine, they need your rule most of all.”

The chamber filled with low prayers, whispers that he save the ones trapped within the Sanctums. “The Flocks, blessed Divine, displayed the image, the Voices are cruel they sent thousands to Death. They feed the Nightmare with easy meals trying to reclaim the Mines.” Zellebeth spoke her words ladened with pain. “They need to be stopped Divine, those they serve care nothing for the Lowly under them. They’re not you with your eternal blessed warmth, willing to shelter all. The Elders are cold men, and they Voices equally so.”

‘Oh dear,’ Dailin thought in alarm, ‘they want me to do more than help. They want me to overthrow the current leaders and put myself on top.’

Or at the very least have him be the figurehead, Dailin was very hands-off with running things. As long as people maintained his rules and order was kept he wasn’t interested in running people’s lives.

“I’m not keen on starting a fight with the Elders Zellebeth,” Dailin said to the listening crowd. “We will send word, Hosts or more and give the people within the Sanctums a choice. Have them choose if they wish to live in the Oasis or stay where they’re at.” Which Dailin knew would keep the numbers leaving low. Only the desperate would depart from the Sanctums, and such people would be easy folk his family to get to integrate into a different society.

The hope and joy in Zellebeth eyes and her eager stance, dip as he spoke his words. She wasn’t the only one to react in such a manner, many around the table did the same.

“Divine,” Zellebeth said as she traded glances with the others. “That in itself will cause a fight with the Elders, They won’t just let us waltz in and take people who wish to leave. Even the Lowly are wanted, if only to be thrown out and fight an impossible battle.”

“Even more so,” Zellebeth added after a pause. “Given the reports from the Flocks, many of the Sanctums are practically spent. Though we can’t be sure for the Sanctums Above it would be wise to believe the same. The Voices won’t let what few they have remaining to go join another group, especially one consider rebellious."

“Rebellious?” Dailin asked as he leaned forward in his chair, looming closer to Zellebeth who was the size of an insect to him.

The movement had the Councilors lowing their heads, Zellebeth among them, but slowly she returned her gaze before speaking. “We aren’t run by anyone those on High have appointed, nor do we send resources to them. In every definition we are a splinter group, not aiding our betters as those of our station are supposed to.”

Dailin frowned, this was the first he’d heard of such. He closed his eyes, sifted the volumes of knowledge which came from Hearts. He found the information swiftly, since he now knew what to look for. His children had been trained to serve those Above. That in the end, those individuals were the ones who were to be served first and foremost.

Funny how few actually followed that. Dailin had only seen people and Houses serve themselves. But that had been when those Above were far away. Rather than now, with Voices leading the Sanctums and the people inside being squeezed to death for everything they’re worth.

Dailin opened his eyes and leaned back into his chair, a frown still marring him, as the insight he’d gained pointed in Zellebeth favor. None of those Above would be pleased to know there was a powerful city outside their control.

“Is it not what you and the Giver planned Divine?” Zellebeth asked getting Dailin to focus on her “To remove those unworthy? To free the Vail from Souls who would plunge us into the Nightmare?”

The chamber of people were watching him again, questioning eyes all around. Apparently, he’d been the only one who didn’t know this moving from the sanctums was a rebellious act from the start.

‘Gods what have I gotten myself into?’ This wasn’t even remotely close to what he’d wanted. Nor even thought about when he left for the River. He just wanted to survive, to avoid a death that could have been seen as suicide at his own hands. He couldn’t care less about who ruled as long as it didn’t affect him.

Now though, that was unavoidable. Either a Voice or someone else ruled his home, or he would be forever seen as an outside group which needed to be dealt with.

Not that they could, the Mountains couldn’t defeat his home, what would the Vail be able to achieve? There was also the fact he could move his home where ever he liked. The Vail Above would never find him, unless he wanted them to. Dailin could avoid the problem altogether if he desired. But in doing so would level the Sanctums to their fate.

Untold thousands left to die, perhaps more, for Dailin wasn’t sure of the number of Sanctums Above held.

“In the end, yes,” Dailin said lying through his teeth. “But I’d hope to avoid it for as long as possible, the Nightmare will always hold higher priority.” The people in chamber relaxed as his words traveled, not only because of the context, but also the heavy dose of warmth he’d sent with it.

“But it seems that indulgence can no longer be allowed.” Because he’d sent Hosts to warn the Sanctums, and speak of a place outside the Voices control. Dailin was tempted to ask why his Councilors hadn’t warned him of the repercussions of that. But if they'd thought he knew from the start, thought he was planning to reveal the Oasis all along. Then they likely believed he was trying to sole discontent among the desperate.

‘Gods if I’d known.’ He would have never agreed, as the Hosts themselves were likely being seen as a roaming threat, something to remove. And through the first Host sent was clad in Warded armor. That wouldn’t save them for long if armies were forced upon them. The Thivuins on the other hand, the Host just sent, those would certainly make waves, make the powers that be worry. Act harsh and come after him.

‘This is the last thing any of us need.’ Dailin thought gloomy, but he would face this blundered he’d stepped into. For he wouldn’t let his family fall under such oppressive rule again, and surely not himself. Not when he could bend the very realm to his whims.

Dailin looked down at the map, there were some mines left to gather people and resources from. After that, it would seem he would be heading for Sanctums. Towards battles of a different nature, the Oasis was going to need some more enlarging.

Gesturing at the map, “Once the remaining mines have been gathered, we will look upward. You Councilors I leave to decide which Sanctum we will rescue from the Voices first.” The masses around him smiled at the news, hands clasping together in joy as they bowed to him. The Councilors did the same as they spoke honeyed words of his righteous divinity and worth.

“As you desire Father,’ Vollow said to him, the first to raise his head and focus on the map. “We will converse with the Flocks, determine which Sanctums are in the most need of your warmth.” Even before his words were done, Dailin could see the discussion beginning, silent speech was being conducted by Council members, and those further out who helped make sure the words of the Councilors were spread and followed. Messengers were sent running out the room, either to gather the needed people or Shards of memories his Councilors would need.

Dailin joined his son scanning the map, there was almost a dozen Sanctums from Above marked on the map. A number that would grow once they got their hands on the information about the placement of such cities.

His family, and the rest once consider Lowly had never been taught of the layout of the realm Above, only that it was there. That their betters lived higher above them, closer to the Giver and her endless generosity. Which was amusing since Dailin hadn’t seen a speck of such during his relatively short time in the realm. Maybe it would be different up above, maybe the Giver actually listened to those people, which, if true was going to cause him no end of grief.

‘It’s all going to fall apart soon enough, my lie will be seen through eventually.’ If the Giver herself arrived condemning his act, calling him out as a fake, that would be it.

Maybe, his family, those of the Oasis treated him as divine, even called him such. What would happen if the Giver damned him? Would his family do the same, or would they turn on the Giver and claim she was an imposter. The thought had Dailin rubbing his forehead again before he could catch himself.

“No need to let Worry bother you, Divine,” Zellebeth said her face the picture of joy. “Though there is many to free, we will see to the Task, it will be done. Your Light, your Warmth will be spread to all the masses freed from the cruelties of our supposed betters.” Others echoed similar declarations, or cheered out in agreeance to the words said.

Dallin forced a smile on his face, wishing he could go hide somewhere and let this problem solve itself. But that rarely happened, he knew from lives of experience. Ignoring problems only made matters worse. “I believe you, all of you, I know you, my family will see this deed done. Will help our people during these most tumultuous times.”

More cheers followed, for Dailin was sending out waves of warmth, hiding behind it, hoping the kind feeling alone would keep back the coming troubles.

“For I will be at your side lending a helping hand as much as I’m able to.” Dailin added, smothering his Councilors in a blanket of warmth. Enough, even with their growing resistance. The people before him began to slump forward, minds adrift, and longing looks marking their faces. Back in the day, before he’d ever left for the Rivers, such a spell would have knocked everyone around him asleep. A very deep one which he’d have a great deal of difficulty waking them from. Now all it did was stun them for a time, one they quickly recovered from once the flow of his spell stopped.

Though his son had told him his feeling of warmth was always present. Dailin still had difficulty believing that alone would have the Vail become so immune to his spell effects when unleashed in mass. Not that it wasn't completely bad, it was convenient he didn't have to worry about people collapsing into comas if he sent to strong of a blast out.

That they shouldn't be resistant of, 'Unless' Dailin hummed in his mind as an idea struck. There was the possibility the Vail were singing to each other. Were copying his spell as they did with all the others. If they did, if they were flooding themselves within it constantly that could cause the swift change.

The Vail did enjoy indulging in gratifying experiences. And before he arrived and wrapped them in kindness. None of the Vail had apparently felt such a thing before. Never experienced an actual person caring for another, and wishing the best for them. Which wasn't all that surprising, considering the behavior he’d been forced to put up with during his time in Hadthel. The endless plots, the nonchalant betrayals, and the willingness to kill anyone, even those close, if it was beneficial enough.

But not anymore, not for those within his family. how much they’d been altered in such a short amount of time. A touch of blissful caring and love and the Vail changed. At least in how they acted towards him, but it was spreading out. The Vail under him as a whole were kind to each other, helpful, and cooperative where before they schemed and murdered.

‘Perhaps it’s a good sign those around me aren't affected by my spell as much, a sign they’re kinder people on the inside now.’ People actually worth helping, worth saving, rather than the murderous madmen before. People and Houses full of individuals killing their own without a second thought. But no more, either by the fear of being removed from his home and the presence of his caring, or genuine interest in helping others. His home, his family was free of the cruel acts of the past.

Something he would make sure continued. When the Oasis was in place and refuges were guided to their new home, he’d be there singing to them. Filling them with kindness to block out the darker nature that laid within them.

‘I’m going to be singing a lot by the looks of things.’ Dailin thought as he returned his gaze to the map, looked about the marks which represented Sanctums. Thought, even though spent, how many would come flooding towards his home when they were given a chance. Once enough news spread of the growing Nightmare outside.

But that was if the Vail listened, they weren’t very good at that when it came to matters which invoked fear. Neither was he in truth by many lives of dying to negligence had stomped that impulse down. Left him willing, though reluctant, to listen to problematic rumors and information which left him worrying about the future.

The Vail wouldn’t, not unless it was right in their face biting at them. Even then there would be denial for how bad things were.

No, people wouldn’t flock to him because of the Nightmare, not at first. They would come to get away from the Voices, to get away from an overbearing system which was draining them of everything. The Voices will act, he could already see that. They would send out forces to stop people leaving and his from taking them. Skirmishes were going to break out, ones that would quickly escalate.

Vail were going to be killing each other while the Nightmare was growing to a point it threatened all. The urge came again, to blind his eyes of the matter, to avoid it, leave the Vail in the Sanctum to their fate. But in doing so it would damage or perhaps destroy all the changes he’d achieved to those under his care. Vail interested in helping their people, rather than cutting at each other.

So Dailin and his family, who wished to help more than ever before. Were going to be heading to war with those above, or at the very least conflict. But how long would that last? how long before the Elders above had enough and sent armies done to end the revolting ones?

Given the Vails nature, not long at all. They might even send everything they had at him, try with all their might to remove a threat to their rule. Dailin had witnessed that often, seen it in lives of old, rulers, nobles and those holy, butcher each other when their authority was threatened.

“What troubles you Divine, the Givers chosen son, the Light above all.” Zellebeth spoke, spreading her devotion thick.

“Thinking Zellebeth, planning,” Dailin said raising his eyes from the map. “The Voices, their Elders and those above them won’t take this lightly. They’ll send wrath down upon us. So I must ready the Oasis for the times ahead.”

Whispers of excitement filled the air, along with words of his warmth, his divinity, and purity above the Voices and their cruel handlers.

How long would that last when those, who they considered holy, condemned him? Would those of his family turn on him, or would they, in turn, condemn the condemners?

“The Giver shines her light on us eternal Divine, with your aid the Vail will be freed of the vile that has festered within those Above.” Zellebeth practically recited, as if she’d read it from a book in her mind.

Keeping a smile on his face, Dailin sent forth more warmth upon those who worshipped him. “I’ll do everything in my power to make that a certainty Zellebeth, but in the end, as always my Councilors the worst of the burden you fall on your shoulders. I need you all to guide those who will come to me, I need you to aid them in their transition.

“Fear not Father,’ Vollow said, forcing himself into a straight posture. “The Arcs and waves of Flocks have trained us in dealing with those who wish to join your family. We will make certain they are Worthy of your Light.”

“Good,” Dailin said accompanied with a nod, he trusted his Councilors in this matter, they’d yet to fail. Though the task was going to be more difficult. Before it was Flocks from Mines, Flocks full of desperate souls willing to do anything to save themselves from the task placed upon them. The Sanctums individuals would be less inclined, or see it as an opportunity to worm their way into a new power structure.

“Are you going to be making more Thivuins Father?” his son asked a moment later, the eyes wide with hope, like everyone else his son had come to revere the suits. Often Dailin notice people kneeled in a prayer of sorts in front of them. Or mark passages on them with paint, short poem verses of the one how made them.

“I ‘am that will be the bulk of what I spend my time on. But before our reveal to the chosen Sanctum, I’ll add one maybe two more layers to the Oasis.” Dailin added, already feeling the headache which would come from that.

More words of worship, words that made his very souls shiver, he was no god. He was a liar, a fraud, one that would soon be found out. But all paths were blocked to him, he couldn’t hide. For the realm was filling with Nightmares as equally as the Mana pouring down. He had to move up, had to near those who’d reveal him for what he is.

His family would call to save them, and Dailin had to answer that wish. One he’d put into them, a desire to aid their own. A realm caring, a realm where people didn’t slaughter each other over items all could have.

Dailin raised a hand, the chorus of whispered thanks and worship ceased, freeing him of the weight it brought. “Is there anything else you wish for?” Dailin asked his Councilors. Glances were trades, fingers moved in quick order.

“Hearts most Divine’ Zellebeth said “Many the size of pockets, and dozens of colossal ones which line the sanctity of the Oasis.”

“Very well.” He spoke, the request was a simple one, depending on how many he had to make it shouldn’t take him near an hour to complete.

“And more Warded armor” His son added, “Enough to equip an entire Flock. It would make a fitting image accompanied with Thivuins to show the superiority of the Oasis. A place of power even the Elders can't easily face off against.”

Dailin nodded his head in agreement, it would be best for all that the Vail in the sanctums see the fight so one-sided they decide not to resist at all. Though such an outcome wouldn’t last forever, it would be nice to have it happen for a time.

He looked about the table of those who managed his home, found no one else with requests. So he rose from his seat, sending out more pulses of Warmth to wash over the masses.

“Then I’ll be off, if anyone of you think of more send a messenger to the Lake, I’ll be there for some time.” Dailin said then strode out of the room when bows and acknowledgments were sent his way. In turn, Dailin manifested another pulse one directed at the Councilors as he left. Happy they didn’t voice the one thing he was sure was on their minds.

Beg once more for him to spread his seed. To have more children of light brought into the realm, not caring in the slightest of the toil it put on the mother.

The sight of it was still clear in his mind, his worst fear made true. In the end, they had to cut open Uheen. No matter how hard she pushed or the aid rendered the children were too large.

He and the other Chanters in the chamber chanted her into a deep sleep before they began the necessary work. Five bright lights shined after they were plucked from the overstretched womb of their mother.

Thanks to the Mana she was made whole and wealth, even after her body had given out multiple times. All was undone where in other realms she would have been a bloated corpse.

From that heavy burden of mothering, five stars were brought to him. Silhouettes of light shaped into giggling babies. That had been the oddest thing of all, they laughed and laughed and not one cried as newborn should. Not even as the weeks passed, they were always happy always smiling. Always well behaved and kind to those around them. For though they were babies in shape they’d quickly grew to be triple the size of any full-grown Vail.

Dailin heard their giggling and their cheers as he neared the Lake after he’d flown over the city. They squealed with joy when they saw him, rushing over as fast they could with baby shaped limps. The sight of it had him laugh in turn and hover them into his arms. His five little lights, the most well behaved and kind children he’d ever seen.

They hugged him tightly as he cradled them and brushed their golden hair. He’d been fraught with worry as they grew, of the damage they could cause, especially when fully grown. Yet such thoughts had died away as each day they remained their kind natured selves.

His five stars to brighten the realm, the first of many depending on how they turned out. If their kindness remained.

‘Please stay like this,’ Dailin prayed. ‘Happy and kind beings, lights to guide the Vail, lights to end this madness.’

The five smiled at him, and he did in turn. He began to sing the spell his family loved. Delved them in a vision of a paradise, a place of bliss, a place free from the pains they'd yet to learn.