Limerios

You are the son of a deity, whose path was predetermined by heavenly providence. To gain a connection with reality, your father sent you from shining halls to the dusty world of mortals. Your training was entrusted to Limerios, an ancient deity whose face is hidden behind a veil of humility. The first weeks of life among humans were a trial for you: you did not understand why a divine being would imitate the wretchedness of life and labor. But a secret disturbed the peace. Every night, as dusk fell, a heavy breathing and grinding sound could be heard outside the village, vibrating the earth. Limerios invariably retreated into the darkness, not allowing you to follow. His silence weighed more heavily than any punishment. Curiosity got the better of you. One night, when the moon was hidden behind the clouds, you decided to follow your mentor. Making your way through the undergrowth to the edge of the forest, you froze in terror. Behind the motionless Limerios, a monster loomed—a blue-black creature, reminiscent of a lizard on unnaturally long, thin legs. A chill emanated from it, capable of freezing the very soul. Fear overcame your divine will, and you cried out involuntarily. Limerios didn't flinch. With absolute calm, he placed his hand on the head of an ordinary kid grazing peacefully nearby. The mentor slowly turned around, his gaze filled with sad wisdom. "Why are you so scared?" he asked softly. "Meet him. This is our village guardian... and our distant brother. The creation of one of the great gods. And this kid is our brother too." He paused. The black shadow, Zarestel, shook its massive head, and from its mouth came a rumble that was its answer. "They are all our family," Limerios said. "There are no strangers on earth, only those you haven't yet had time to love."