Cencaria: Tales of the First Age (Part 1)

"I am sorry to interrupt, Queen Daeda, but I have a most wonderful idea!" exclaimed Bylarin, his smile seemingly unaffected by the intimidating matriarch. Brodeus could tell that his mother was quite taken aback by this remark, and he knew what she must be thinking.

"Very well," the goddess said, sitting down in her throne. "You may continue. As we have not been addressing any serious problems lately, it would seem reasonable to let you share with us your idea." A slight smile formed on Brodeus' face when he saw his mother nod her had at the former speaker as she mentioned not "addressing any serious problems". This god, whose name Brodeus later learned was Joniad, marched to his seat with his head held high. When he eased himself into his marble throne, Brodeus could see that his eyes riveted on Bylarin with obvious irritation. Returning his eyes to the Great Podium, Brodeus watched as Bylarin began his speech.

"Fellow members of Sejal, I come to you today with a proposition that will surely liven our, quite frankly, dreary days. For millennia uncounted, we, the gods, have lived in an unblemished era of peace and prosperity. In fact, we have never faced conflict since the King of Darkness was imprisoned in the Great Maelstrom. In those bygone days, each day was filled with action and adventure. One could find battles all across the universe, and the days would soar across the span of time without a care. This is not to say that the presence of evil was a good thing. My point is, more accurately, that we gods need companions. We need to share this universe with others, beings whom we can watch over and protect, whom we can admire and cherish and love. We need action. Thus, I propose that we inseminate one planet with intelligent life. Furthermore, I propose that we delegate this honor to Queen Daeda."

There was a deep silence as the gods took in what they had just heard. Brodeus himself was fascinated with this concept. Finally, something to liberate the gods from this ennui! This is an ingenious idea! Brodeus though. Apparently the other gods thought so, for, like a great fire racing across the chamber, each god's face bloomed red with the same joy that had overtaken the speaker. In unison, the senators jumped out of their thrones and shouted, "Hurray for Bylarin! Hurray for this great idea!" Brodeus joined the encore, taken up with this newfound excitement. He glanced at his twin, seeing that the usually morose god was also caught up in the enthusiasm. Even Daeda stood with applauding hands, which the other senators were quick to mimic.

Brodeus briefly glanced at Joniad and saw that he was the only god still sitting in his throne. The old figure was still glowering steadfastly at Bylarin, who stood calmly waiting for the convention to return to order. After a minute or so of enthused clapping, the gods returned to their thrones and silenced so that Bylarin could conclude his speech. Daeda remained standing.

"Bylarin," she said, nodding in deference to the god, "May I voice another proposition?"

"Why, of?.of course, your Excellence," Bylarin responded, clearly shocked that the Queen asked his permission to speak.

"Very well then," rejoined the Queen. "I propose that we inseminate not one, but two planets with intelligent life. These planets would be at opposite ends of the universe and could only achieve contact in the event of a necessary technological advance. As to whom we would have plant the seed of life on these two planets, I propose that you, Bylarin, oversee the first planet. The oversight of the second planet I would delegate to my two sons, Brodeus and Preleon." It will be a good way for you two to cope, the goddess spoke to Brodeus in telepathy. Mother! he responded. You know how much we don't get along.

And it was true. Ever since Brodeus and Preleon's childhood, the twins had been archrivals and were fiercely competitive at practically everything they did. Brodeus was the more mature of the two, and the one more steered toward good. Preleon had turned out to be quite devious, and Brodeus detested being in his brother's presence for any long period of time.

"Your Highness, this plan sounds excellent!" said Bylarin. "Quite honestly, I was hoping to be able to inseminate one of these planets. What say ye, senators? Does this plan sound agreeable?" All around the chamber there were mutters of assent and nodded heads.

"Very well then, your proposition has been approved unanimously," said Daeda to Bylarin, returning to her normal status of power. "We shall now proceed to the detail-". She was silenced as Joniad stood out of his seat and said, "Not quite unanimously." Daeda turned her head to this bold speaker, and Brodeus thought, He's in for it now.