The Greatest Sin [Progression Fantasy][Kingdom Building]

There are two ways to date something, contextual and scientific. Most of the time, one supports the other. In fact, although all the time one will support the other. Carbon analysis is one such scientific manner which can be used to reveal the age of something. Contextual analysis would rely on analysing the finding and the world around it. It is easier illustrated through example:

A text written in pen has to be written after the invention of the pen. Text done in graphite can be analysed for the kind of graphite, and then that graphite is linked to an era. Likewise with ink, pre-worldbreaking ink is verifiably different from post-worldbreaking ink. The text itself is an answer too, as the development of written language follows a general trend, although it can be broken of pictures developing into pictograms developing into individual words, then into letters. Rules of grammar begin to occur only after the formulation of the word, so on.

Whereas a sword can be a mystery to date, a text is in fact one of the easiest historical artefacts to be dated. Thus, we get to the issue of Paida’s finding in the Aris expedition, individual issues are expanded upon later, in Section 4A and 4B. Nevertheless, the summation of these issues can be done as so:

The rules of grammar, the style of writing, the fact that metaphor is very obviously used, the handling of definitives and articles in the text suggest complexity of a modern civilization that has invented writing. Not only that, a modern civilization that has refined writing down into artistic forms reliant not on ideals, but on prose itself.

Rock analysis of the text suggest non-magical tools were used to make it. The structure of the stone does not carry the traditional tells of magic shaping stone. Specifically, microtears indicating pressure are throughout the letters. Larger cracks are visible. Conclusively, shaping geomancy was not used to shape these stones. Whether magic was used at all is a mystery in itself, nevertheless, there is a question which we can’t answer: stoneshaping is not particularly difficult magic, carving rivulets, even shaped like letters is basic practice amongst students. If magic was used, why would it specifically exclude the type of magic that is designed to be served for this purpose?

And finally, scientific testing posits the rock as being, around, at three thousand years old. Although it is uncommon, we have decided to subscribe these numbers to the Elassan Calendar, which currently places us at year 3,184 since Year X, the start of the Age of the Gaia. Nevertheless, the stone is Ardan, similar samples can be found buried deep in the crust. The analysis of those samples lines up with this three thousand year minimum.

Consequently, we can only really draw one stipulation, as the rules of all analysis have been broken already. The texts that Goddess Paida has found buried under Aris are Ardan in nature, however what they represent, we do not know. A pair of working have been made, although a conclusion is not decided.

They are the oldest text in the history of Arda, the first things written after Year X, and their creators were killed during the Age of Gaia.

Or they are the last things ever written before Year X, and the people who wrote them died in the event we consider the start of life on Arda.

- Section 1 of the “Aris Catacombs Textual Analysis Document”, published by the Imperial Bureau of Culture, Department of History. For internal reference only.

Malam stopped before the massive doors of an Arisian meeting hall. Paida had evacuated the premises early, when she realised that something was being organised here. Good riddance to the Goddess of Rancais, besides, she wasn’t going to be needed or wanted here. Her SIS had practically taken over this entire building, the tapestried walls that had been coloured in gold-brown wallpaper now lay adorned with banners of her own: A Skull and bones.

It was such a good day that she had arrived early. She pushed the door open, and then… Malam almost missed a step when she saw Iniri already sat down at a table. The Goddess of Nature had her fingers interlaced as she stared at the gleaming, polished wood of the table. Paida had kept things so clean that the woman’s reflection was visible. Her green eyes saw Malam and then wilted like cute little flowers that hadn’t been fed enough water. “I’m here.”

“You’re here early.” Malam checked her watch. “Quite cute though, I didn’t think you were so excited for our date.” Iniri didn’t blush, didn’t smile, didn’t have any sort of reaction to the comment. Maybe she was trying to hide it, but a total lack of reaction was a reaction in itself. “Excited?”

“No.” Iniri said as Malam sat down, looking around. There were no flowers or plants, so Iniri was as quaint and homely and well-behaved as everyone said she was. Out came the most important item from Malam’s bag, a two-litre bottle of clear vodka. It thudded on the table, Iniri stared at it in disbelief as Malam brought out a single shot glass.

“Refreshments.” Malam said. “Reputation wise, I’m the only adult here, so I didn’t bring glasses to share.”

“Ahhh…” Iniri stared at it and then shook her head. “Alright?” She went back to nervously looking at her hands as Malam poured herself a shot, swigged directly from the bottle, then capped it and drank her shot. “What are we here for?” Iniri asked. “I’ve heard it’s going to be big.”

“Being daddy’s girl, I am much like him.” Malam said, leaning over the table. “I don’t repeat myself so we’ll be waiting.”

“Who else is coming then?” Iniri asked.

“Wouldn’t you like to find out?” Malam asked and chuckled to herself. Iniri stared at her as if she couldn’t place whether Malam was being serious or joking. Whether the answer was to laugh along, or to be shocked, or just demand an answer.

“Then I’ll wait I suppose.” Iniri said. “Do you know who is in charge though?” Malam’s eyebrow jumped. That was something she did not expect. Maybe from Fer, but Fer would be able to smell the hierarchy immediately.

“I’m in charge.” Malam cooed. And she was today, truly, ordered by Arascus. To give them something to do, and to try and seize initiative that had been lost with the discovery of the Second Arc. Not everyone, not even most of them, would be able to participate. Malam knew that Arascus was managing part of the operation, Kassandora was commanding it. Ana and Ela were on the magic. Helenna’s role had been to peace-keep in the Empire. That left a whole sector of Divines that were going to be lazing around.

Malam had been excited for lazing about, but then Arascus had rang, and now she was even more excited to relive old times. “Alright.” Iniri said and fell silent. Malam sighed and tilted her head, then poured herself another shot.

“Are you not even going to ask about your girlfriend?” Another measly bait attempt, it would work on Kassandora and it would definitely work on Fortia or Maisara. And Helenna fell for it too.

“I have a girlfriend?” Iniri asked. “Since when?” Malam almost slammed her head into the table when she heard that. What was Baalka then? Excuse me? Hadn’t they been on the Tartarian extermination bomb for how long?

“Oh you know who.” Malam said. She wasn’t going to be outwitted by this girl. Iniri would say it herself. Of Nature sat there, stared at her hands, then shook her head. Well, movement at least. And then those green eyes met Malam’s entirely black ones and her voice was cold.

“If you’re talking about Baalka, we are friends.” Iniri said.

“Oh I’m sure.” Malam said. “Friends who you happen to be work with for the better part of a year, stuck in a lab, I’m sure there was no tension between you.”

“Haven’t you and Helenna been working together?” Iniri said. “It’s completely normal to have friends.”

“Me and Helenna sweetheart?” Malam poured herself another drink. “Do you even know the things we get up to?”

“Don’t tell me.” Iniri said.

“Oh fufufu, but what if I will?” Malam said.

“Then tell me.” Iniri said with a shrug. “What am I supposed to say exactly? Great. Good for you.” Malam downed one shot, then poured the next immediately. She needed someone that actually gave reactions or had a personality. This was terrible. What did Iniri do all day? Just mope about in misery? Her and Neneria would get along great.

And as if on queue, as if the very thought had summoned the woman, the door opened. Some Divines knocked. It depended on who and for who. For Malam, generally most of her sisters knocked, Kassandora did for almost everyone. But Neneria rarely, not even for Arascus. “Oh.” Neneria said. “I hope I’m not late.” She was tall, almost as tall as Irinika, which meant she had a head over Malam and more than double that over Iniri. And she came dressed in her usual style of black dress.

Quiet footsteps that were almost shuffling carried her to a table in the middle of the desk, and then to Malam. “You’re after me and I’m the boss, so you’re late.” Malam said.

“Oh.” Neneria said. “Alright.”

“No apologies sweet sister?” Malam asked.

“You’re late when I ask you to be on time too so no.” Neneria said lightly and adopted Iniri’s posture. Fingers interlocked, eyes staring down, into the reflection of herself on the wood, then she looked away.

“Do you want a drink?” Malam asked, looking at Iniri. Now that Neneria was here, she could at least start entertaining herself and seeing what sort of reactions they’d have at unfair treatment.

“No.” Iniri said. That was expected, Malam turned to Neneria.

“I know you don’t even want a drink.”

“I don’t.” Neneria replied immediately and Malam tried to keep herself from deflating on the spot. What was she supposed to do with these two idiots? Neither of them wanted anything, neither of them cared.

“You’re two old hags, you know that.” Malam said. If nothing worked to start a conversation, then maybe a straight-up insult would get some blood flowing through them. Neneria and Iniri looked at each other, then said nothing. “Which one of you is older?”

“I think I am.” Neneria said immediately and Iniri nodded. That was the answer? THAT!? No arguing? None of the debates that everyone else had between themselves when trying to claim seniority? Seriously?

“You think?”

“It’s unverifiable.” Neneria said.

“Then verify it.” Malam said.

“How should we verify it exactly?” Neneria asked.

“How many winters did you have before Iniri’s garden?”

“I don’t know when Iniri’s garden first grew.” Neneria said and Malam sighed.

“Before Alkom started the burnings then?”

“I wasn’t counting.” Neneria said and Malam shook her head, focusing on Iniri instead. Neneria, at the very least, she had tried to bait before. That woman was a lost cause through and through, nothing would get a reaction out of her.

“What about you?”

“Likewise.” Iniri said. “You didn’t really bother with counting in those times.”

“Irinika did.” Malam said.

“Irinika is younger than both of us, slightly.” Neneria said. “That’s true, isn’t it?” Finally, them talking between themselves. Finally some life in this room. How was Malam not supposed to drink? Somehow, a quarter of the bottle had disappeared already and she hadn’t been aware of her own drinking.

“I don’t know, I think so though.” Iniri said. And then… silence. Of course. Yes. Answer the question and don’t follow up with your own why don’t you? Malam poured herself another shot and slammed the glass down on the table. She had been fed the ammunition to bait now anyway.

“I’ll tell her that.” Malam said.

“I don’t think she’ll mind.” Neneria said. “She’s not really that grandiose as you make her out to be.” There, it was a counterargument.

“Oh I’m sure you know all about grandiose, don’t you sister?” Malam hissed as she poured yet another shot. Neneria didn’t reply. Iniri didn’t come in to voice her own opinion. Malam was fucking defeated. She sat there, stared at the glass and rolled her eyes. Arascus was damn right to lock one of these two in a lab and send the other to the Arikan front. This was torture. Malam would rip her own white hair out if she had to deal with them.

Just the worst. Just the absolute worse. And then, footsteps. A trio of them. Malam poured herself another glass, she didn’t even care. There was a knock. Three heavy thuds and the door opened. Fer appeared first, golden with silver markings in her hair, shining like a saviour that had decided to come assist in the final parts of a battle. Fortia too. And Maisara. “You do not know how happy I am to see even your ugly grins today.”

“Then the favour is returned Malam, I am ecstatic to spend time with you too.” Fortia replied immediately and Of Hatred felt life pour back into her. Was that sarcasm she just heard?

“You don’t know how much that warms my heart to hear Forti.” Malam said and noticed the slight shift in Fortia’s start at the nickname. Neneria sighed and Iniri looked intrigued. And then Fer came in, crossed her arms, and glared at Malam.

“So you’re the boss here.” Fer said the question dryly it was more a declaration. “Wow, it is true, dad wasn’t lying when he said we’re being the B-team.”

“C-team.” Maisara corrected her. “There’s Allasaria and Irinika and they’re just reserves. We don’t even make that list.” Her silver eyes went over Malam and she shook her head. “Why are you in charge?”

“Because I am sweet and beautiful and smart?”

“Wrong on all three.” Fortia said as she sat down. “Nevertheless, I got the message, what are we here for?”

Fer sat next to Fortia, Maisara on the other, closest to Malam although keeping her distance still. “Did you only bring one glass?” Maisara asked.

“I’ll let you drink it from my lips if you want.” Malam said. Fer hissed a chuckle and Maisara rolled her eyes.

“Incorrigible.” She muttered.

“What is the issue then? Is this everyone or are we still waiting?” Fortia said. Oh? Was she hurrying the conversation along now? Malam smiled, put her elbow on the table, leaned forward as far as she could and rested on her arm.

“I didn’t know you wanted to get so fast into it.” Malam said. “Here I thought we’d be doing team-building exercises.” Fer chuckled again although Fortia just stared dryly at Malam for a moment. There, what was the reaction to that? Come on little Forti? What could Peace do. And then, Fortia’s entire slammed onto the table, fingers already outstretched at Iniri.

“Iniri and I have already worked together, so there is no team building to be done.” Her hand slid to Neneria. “Whereas with Neneria, I am sure we will get along.” She said it so flatly that only Kassandora had a mind sick enough as to not be offended. “Hopefully it will be a pleasure working with you Neneria.” Neneria nodded as Fortia turned to Malam. “Introductions done.”

Malam’s smile grew. Maybe Fortia was trying to hurry this along, but did the woman seriously think that it was this easy? When Maisara sat here? When Neneria had killed Maisara once already? “Oh no.” Malam said. “I know your doors keep themselves as closed as a prostitute’s legs Forti.” Fortia merely blinked at that, not even insulted, and Malam noted it. She wasn’t embarrassed by innuendo but by Forti? So it was hitting close to home. Noted. “But I am leading this operation.”

Fortia interrupted her. “That we don’t know about yet.”

“I’ve been given the power of discrimination.” Malam sat up. “That means, and I have two subjects I’m rather worried about.” She copied Fortia’s movements, arms slamming down onto the table. One palm pointing at Maisara, one at Neneria. “Can you two get along?”

For a moment, silence. Malam’s smile curled upwards, there it was. Either Maisara would crack, or Neneria would, and either would be good. And then, she read the reactions of the table. The only person who gave the predicted one was Iniri, who lowered her head as if she wanted to be anywhere but here. Fortia gave that dry stare again, as if she was looking at an idiot. Fer tried to hide her laughter by looking way, tongue pressing into her cheek.

Neneria said nothing. Maisara said nothing. Both of them just stared at each other. “What is there to talk about?” Maisara asked and Malam suddenly had to be aware of her own posture to stop it from collapsing. What was there to talk about? Hello?! Weren’t you killed by this woman?

“We have discussed this when she died and I held her soul.” Neneria said dryly. “I’m only escaping for your sake Malam, there is nothing to talk about.”

“What do you mean there’s nothing to talk about?” Malam couldn’t believe it.

“Maisara is a boring ghost.” Neneria said. Fer’s laughter couldn’t be hidden at this point and Fortia only groaned.

“You know about this?” Malam asked. “What the fuck does that even mean?”

“Maisara has no opinions on death or the afterlife.” Neneria said.

And Maisara came in to defend herself. At that!? Of all things at that! “Well I died, and we were fighting, so it was expected, and what am I supposed to say? I died so I died.” And that was the defence?! That didn’t even make sense! It wasn’t an answer! It wasn’t even the beginning of one!

“There’s more things you can say than that Maisara.” Malam said. “What? You’re not even going to be petty that she killed you?”

“I would have killed her if I was in her position, so what am I supposed to say. In a fight, anyone can die.” Malam turned to Neneria.

“She just said she would have killed you.”

“But she didn’t and she can’t.” Neneria said. Malam turned back to Maisara.

“She said you can’t even kill her.”

“Not conceptually true but practically yes, Neneria could fight everyone in this room at the same time and win.” Fer chuckled.

“Hear that sister, you have a fan.” Fer said.

“I am the incarnation of Death, it’s expected.” Neneria said dryly.

Fortia came in before Malam recovered. “Are you going to try and stir up arguments all afternoon or are you going to get to it? What is the job?”

“Oh now you want the job?” Malam scowled. “I’m supposed to manage all of you?”

“We’re not so bad.” Fer said. Malam wouldn’t even get started on her. Fer would just hide behind her beastly nature at every jab and then poke jabs from a safe spot in return. Malam knew how she worked and she hated it too! There was a reason that they never were tasked on jobs together! And now she had the whole crew?!

“Job. Malam.” Fortia said, crossing her arms.

“I’d very much like to keep this conversation going now.” Malam said. Fortia stopped, held her hand up when Fer was about to speak and stared at Malam for a while. The silence held on as Fortia’s bronze eyes stared into Malam’s black ones and the Goddess of Peace worked on whatever plan she was working on.

“Very well.” Fortia said. “You can keep this conversation going.” And then she slid her chair back. “I am going out to buy whiskey.” Malam’s smile dropped when she saw the play. If it was just waiting her out, then they would do it. “Neneria, Maisara and Iniri will stay here, Fer with me. Mai, what vodka do you want?”

“Any, clear.”

“Neneria, what do you drink?” Fortia said as Malam realised what was happening. This was a coup. This was a fucking coup! She was being couped before her eyes!

“Brandy.”

Fortia looked to Iniri. “Wine, right?”

“Wine.” Iniri accepted as Fortia took a step away and Fer stood up.

“I don’t repeat myself.” Malam said quietly.

“Maisara will fill me on the details then.” Fortia said, already walking to the door. This was blackmail. This was a coup. This was… Malam stared at Fortia’s back as her mind kicked into overdrive on how to get her to stop. But she wouldn’t. This was like arguing with Fer! What the fuck! Or like with her father! WHAT THE FUCK?! And she was going to be left to stew in a room with Maisara and Neneria and Iniri? That wasn’t going to happen either!

“Alright.” Malam said, slamming her shot glass down. Half the bottle had been emptied, but Fortia did come to a stop. So did Fer. Of Beasthood turned around and arms crossed, tail swinging in satisfaction from side to side. This was her doing, wasn’t it? Fer had prepared them for Malam. She had to. The eyes said everything and right now, she was looking like a woman bathing in the sweet bliss of victory. “Alright.” Malam said. “Job first then.”

“What’s the job?” Fortia said.

“We’re being sent out into the catacombs again. All of us, to get to the end and see what actually lies there. The Paladins that have Helenna’s blessing will be coming with too. I’m in charge because I have the most experience against monsters, dad said so.” Malam couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth. To say it so straight, and with absolutely no play. She had expected this adventure of theirs to be good fun, where she could see what made them all tick one by one.

This was going to be torture.

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