[SRP] False Gods (Deimos, Phobos, Destati)

[Epine de Rose]

"Machinations of the zealous."

 

[Epine de Rose]

"It comes as somewhat ironic, when we say that you play a dangerous game," Steely eyes gazed towards the Blue Province's Justicar as he returned it in kind. The news had finally reached the Black Province as every Justicar had returned home. The retreat of the Scourge had been immediate, the Phantoms vanishing back into their warrens without word. There had been no rhyme or reason for it, they had been winning in certain regions, and yet something had caused them to turn tail and flee. Unsurprisingly the military hadn't questioned it, they had celebrated it as a victory and assumed that the Blue Province's Justicar had finally broken them in the lands beyond their home... But the Justicars as a whole knew better.

Something was terribly wrong.

"I cannot say that I am the one moving the chess pieces on this occasion," Destati replied smoothly and shook his head. It was rare that the two Black Justicars, or simply 'Justicar' were in a room together, but when needs must, the pair came together in order to address some of the more serious issues. On this occasion there was no getting around the fact that certain matters needed to be discussed, particularly in light of certain events.

"You found yourself a mate, and not only was she pale, she was something rather extraordinary," one of the twins spoke, though he was so out of practice that he wasn't entirely certain if it was Deimos or Phobos. Quite frankly, their tells were so small that one did have to be in their company for a considerable time to recognise the difference. The nursemaid that had raised them on their mother's passing had done a spectacular job with the pair.

"Heretical, some might say," Destati pursed his lips. "She is however benevolent and has no real desire to cause a stir."

"She already has," the other pointed out and clucked his ton. "The Dragon Priests have already expressed their discontent at her, particular the manner in which she speaks. She has no great love for the Dragons and one would expect -"

"That a native to these lands would be religious, but I did not enter the world beyond our home to convert anyone," Destati interrupted and gave a snort. "As we all know far too well, the Dragon Priests like to shout the loudest and cause the most trouble. Had it not been for them a large portion of this mess would not even have happened. Progress is difficult to achieve when the world is held hostage by a generations old prophecy that has no basis on -"

"Except it does." The first remarked, and as his eyes glinted, Destati noted who it was. The tells were coming back to him and he knew that it was Deimos who had chosen to speak on this occasion, which meant that the order they had selected would remain in place... it would be Phobos who spoke next.

"You have many offspring now, many heirs."

"Incorrect," Destati stated, causing both of the twins to arch a brow. Their intelligence network may have been heavily influenced by the events in the Black Province, but they did at least know of the cubs that had been blessed with Destati's blood. "They have not yet determined if they will choose to live in the Al-Siq, therefore I currently have no heirs until such times as that decision is made."

"Then we have news for you," Deimos clucked his tongue.

"It would seem they have already expressed their interest in remaining here, even the darkest of your sons."

"Though he will find his existence challenged, we hope he has your willpower."

"They're staying?" Destati quizzed both and pursed his lips. "How long ago was that?" he asked slowly. The news hadn't reached his years yet and it had only been recently that Ari had declared her intentions to stay as well. He'd left the door open of course, but they hadn't committed to anything.

"Very recent," Deimos paused.

"We were only aware of it as one of your sons is particularly relative to that pointless prophecy and you know what will happen once certain eyes fall upon him."

"Religious fervour like we have not seen in generations," Destati murmured cautiously, his grimace unmistakable.

"A resurgence of our own, as it were," Phobos agreed. "The Priests will have what they need to whip up a frenzy, one would say that your family is not in for a pleasant ride."

"We've been through worse," the Blue Justicar pointed out, though he did acknowledge that the twins spoke the truth. If the priests managed to get their claws in to Prometheus for an extended period of time he would become a puppet, regardless of how well he had been raised. On this occasion he couldn't be left alone, but that would place Destati in a precarious position. His most trusted men and women would have to be sent to guard the 'prophecized one' leaving the Blue Province exposed.

"You have, your son has not."

"A valid point; but one does have to wonder how well the priests will handle an 'Emperor' who has no faith in their dragons," Destati mused softly.

"You believe he will not take up the role?"

"I believe he is entitled to a choice; to thrust him into a role where he will rule a land where their worship does not necessarily fall in to line with his, would be cruel."

"So he is without faith."

"It depends on your definition of faith," Destati pointed out. "You, as Justicar, are knowledgeable enough to know who and what his mother is. Asking him to believe is a possibility, he certainly knows divine beings exist," he continued. "Whether he chooses to believe the myths cultivated by our most vocal members of society is an entirely different matter."

"Mmm," the twins exchanged glances. "They may not handle this heresy well."

"Then we will need to make a point that it was their prophecy," he pointed out.

"And while they declared the lineage of the new Emperor, they did not go in to any further detail."

"Precisely," Destati smiled. "They've cultivated this prophecy for generations, they can't simply change the rules now, it would cause those of more moderate faith to question the legitimacy of their claims."

"But not the most zealous."

"The most zealous can be dealt with."

"There is truth to your words, though perhaps we might suggest it be used as a last resort."

"It's always a last resort, gentlemen..."

Words: 1096