Chapter 83

Chapter 83

A/N: Had a little trouble with this one, but I hope it came out good enough.

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Although the events surrounding Ashearas return left their mark on the people surrounding her, the rest of the world had little care for such things and things were moving on. It would in fact be a fair while before Neleh and Asheara would have their first proper conversation after her return, because the matters of the world at large drew Neleh away. While she wasnt happy about the turn of events, it did allow her to take some distance and think about the matter with a clearer head. It also allowed her to quell the emotions that had become so problematic again.

While many matters of note were happening at once, the one that required the most urgent attention from Neleh was the growing rift between the Sun Elves and the Moon Elves. The two clans were rivals at the best of times, only putting aside their differences at the time of crisis, like the previous civil war had shown. The short lived alliance against the old emperor and the Eldarinwe had long since collapsed, and their old rivalries had once again surfaced. For a while, these rivalries had been suppressed by the events that had befallen the Sun Palace and the following recovery period. Even though the two clans were rivals, they did not actually wish to cause the fall of the other clan, so the Moon Elves had been generous in allowing the Sun Elves a certain grace period to recover. Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

The reason the renewed rivalries required Nelehs attention was because she was in many ways the main source of the renewed conflicts. The rise of JaoeTinukai had brought many changes, great wealth and a shift in the power structure of the elven race. Nelehs rising authority and the multi-ethnic nature of her domain suppressed the power and influence of both the empire and the Eldarinwe. As the majority of the wealth in the traditionally Eldarinwe lands went into the hands of those living in Nelehs domain, it was out of the hands of the Eldarinwe clan. The lands she controlled had also been some of the richest and most powerful even before her intervention and that power was no longer predominantly in Eldarinwe hands. Add in that more and more people looked towards Neleh for guidance instead of the empress, and the empire had less influence.

This removed some of the checks holding the rivalry of the other two clans back, since they didnt need to worry about the Eldarinwe clan or the intervention of the empress. One of the main driving forces behind the renewed rivalry was the fact that Moon Elves tended to benefit more from the changes made by Neleh than Sun Elves. This wasnt done by any purposeful bias by Neleh, it was just a matter of her changes being more beneficial to the parts of the economy favored by Moon Elves. Sun Elves tended to focus more on magic and magical products, which were now provided by JaoeTinukai instead in larger quantities and better qualities.

There was also the rising authority of the temples that were traditionally the domain of the Moon Elves. Elune clearly favored the actions made by Neleh, and Neleh also improved the position of the temples in her domain. Her shining figure as the Chosen also encouraged the other areas to put more emphasis on the temples of Elune, as in all parts of the empire new temples were constructed with the backing of both the existing clergy and JaoeTinukai. Interestingly all the new temples decided to have any of their statues, carvings and paintings of Elune depicted in the form she had used lately, which was identical to Neleh in all but the aura surrounding them.

It also didnt escape the notice of anyone, that the ruler of the new and highly successful grand duchy was a Moon Elf herself. This gave the clan a huge boost in confidence, and made them think of themselves as superior to the other two clans. The Eldarinwe were still collectively feeling the effects of the civil war, and in effect let this feeling of superiority pass, but the Sun Elves were incensed by the development. They tried to fight against this sentiment, which lead to arguments and even violence on occasion.

The real issue however lay in a rather recent development. Neleh had tried to build up her image among the populace and was supported in these efforts by Elune herself. It turned out that their efforts had been perhaps a little too successful. When you combined some of her feats like saving the faerie race and providing them a sanctuary, forming the greatest economic and military power in the empire from a single duchy and forcing peace between the disparate races with the advancements she brought and the influence she wielded as a Chosen and the populace slowly started viewing her as something beyond a mortal being. When you add in the obvious favor of Elune, her superior knowledge and abilities and the grace she showed when dealing with the common people and certain rumors started to circulate.

The rumors started among the common populace of the Moon Elves as simple hints at divine origin, but as is wont to happen, rumors and legends only grow more fanciful in telling. These rumors were reinforced by the identical appearances between the figures of the goddess and the already existing rumors of the Golden Goddess to form a narrative that was very appealing to the people, and was reinforced by the other factors mentioned. What emerged were two competing theories where Neleh was either the embodiment of the Goddess Elune or a being created by her to lead the elves into a new golden age.

This was not something that happened suddenly and unforeseen to Neleh or Elune, in fact both of them utilized this to further their own goals. The rumors improved Nelehs standing and helped to combat the pleasure cults as it was known that Neleh opposed them vigorously. Elune on the other hand became more important and focal in the lives of her chosen people, increasing their attendance in rituals and increased their willingness to pray to their goddess. This in turn increased her power as a deity. She also found it really funny.

As such, neither of them did anything to deter the spread of these rumors, and Elune even went so far as to actively encourage them. The goddess had previously appeared in the dreams of her followers after prayers to provide help and guidance. Now she made sure to appear in those dreams in the appearance now becoming synonymous with her instead of simply appearing as a voice. However, the strength and speed at which these theories and rumors spread surprised both of them.

By the time of Ashearas return, almost the entirety of the Moon Elf commoner populace was convinced of Nelehs divine origin, and even the majority of the nobility and the royal family were part of the new wave spreading across the clan deifying Neleh. Eldarinwe and Sun Elf commoners were coming around to the position, while their nobility was completely against it. The Sun Elves especially were unhappy with the recent development. The followers of the faction believing in Nelehs divinity were recently coming into violent blows with those who opposed them. Those in opposition viewed it as blasphemy.

While that is what youd like to read into my words, unfortunately thats not what I said. Although the rumors about me being the embodiment are a bit wild, it is not my place to make any claims concerning my heritage when it comes to the deities. I wouldnt know if our goddess had a hand in things or not. However, I would like to point out that the goddess herself could easily dispel these rumors if she wanted and it would be highly dangerous for me to make any false claims as her Chosen. We just so happen to have several representatives of the temple at this very table. Tell me Grand Inquisitor, High Priestess and Grandmaster, has the goddess given any word concerning these theories? Neleh deftly threw the focus on the other religious figures at the table.

Lysanthir only grunted in the negative, while Yunalesca replied with a wide smile. The Inquisition has received no such word or instructions from the goddess. As far as we know, these rumors might be true.

Surprisingly the newly selected High Priestess decided to actually endorse Nelehs position. The goddess has not given any hints to show disapproval to these theories. In fact, all contact weve had with the goddess seems to indicate that she approves of these theories. In fact, the goddess has taken the appearance of the Chosen in all cases. Or maybe we should speculate that the Chosen is taking the form of the goddess due to her influence?

This is ridiculous! You speak of dreams of those already influenced by faith. Do you not that those dreams are influenced by the statues now found in every temple of Elune? Temples either built or sponsored her! Aelrindel said in anger.

You would be correct in assuming that I have helped build temples around the land, but you are clearly unaware how the artists choose to show the form of the goddess. They have always and will always be divinely inspired, because the prayers made by her image strengthen her. If I tried to meddle in that, the goddess herself would strike me down. If the goddess has a form similar to mine, then Ill be honored but not read too much into it. Neleh replied.

Bah! All you say is sophistry and dodging the issue. The only reason you are refusing to counter these rumors is because of the power they provide you. So far you have taken a wishy-washy attitude towards them, but I will no longer allow it. I demand that you make your position clear! Either you claim these rumors are true or you admit they are false in front of all these people. This kind of power cannot be allowed to be wielded by a single person, especially if you havent earned it. If arguments didnt work, then he wanted to force the issue.

I dont know why you do this to yourself Aelrindel. You claim that no one should have this kind of authority, but you are within the imperial palace. The empress has always had even more authority. You make demands towards my actions just because the current situation goes against your own selfish interests. You try to exclude me from these proceedings, not even allowing me the courtesy of defending myself. Your actions are those of a rat, not a king. In addition, you have performed several action unfit to your station.

I said before that it is not my place to judge, but I shall grant you your judgement. Let the goddess herself decide the truth of these matters. However, I will have you be judged as well. I claim you unfit to rule Sun Elf clan and kingdom. If the goddess judgement of me confirms my position, then I demand your removal from that position as a menace to the empire and race! Either you do so voluntarily, or we will have you removed by force. Neleh made her demand, while standing up and pointing a finger in judgement at the young king.

Aelrindel scowled at Neleh, but he knew that he had no other option but to agree. He could try running away, but that would effectively remove him from his position anyway, as his own people would have him removed for showing such a disgrace. On the other hand, this way he could force an absolute judgment on Neleh. So be it then. He declared.

That was rather mean of you. You know that I would be lying if I didnt agree that your origins are at least partly divine, and knew I would give you my blessing. If I didnt know better, I would think you are taking advantage of me. Elune said, but her voice was not judging but amused instead.

Take any advantage you can, is my motto. The young king has been a thorn in my side for too long. Time to get rid of him. Ill pay the favor back later, although I believe you still owe me one. Neleh replied quietly as she floated above the table, before the light of Elune fell upon her. Everyone could see that light was in favor and not judgement.

You do realize that this just made certain that your time as the empress will become even sooner? Elune asked getting slightly serious.

Things were headed that way anyway. If it comes, then let it come. Neleh thought back resigned.