Grianor appeared at the distant mountain, on one of the borders of the heavenly realm, which seemed serene and peacefully quiet. The clouds floated above, a gentle breeze rustled, numerous birds flitted about, and flowers bloomed amidst lush greenery. At the base of a stunning waterfall that transformed into a quietly flowing river, he spotted a beautiful house.
The view was so tranquil and lovely that it could soothe even the most troubled mind.
He gracefully landed at the entrance of the home, where a lone servant recognized him.
"Elion, humble servant of the Heavenly Emperor, greets the Supreme Lord," the young angel said, bowing in respect.
Grianor offered a light nod and said, "I wish to meet the Supreme Celestial Emperor."
"Please, this way," Elion guided Grianor toward the main door, which opened on its own.
As soon as he stepped inside, he could hear cheerful voices.
"See, even today, you cannot defeat me."
"Your Divine Excellency is invincible."
"Do not flatter me. Instead, you should play better."
"Even then, I won't be able to defeat you, Your Divine Excellency."
Crossing the drawing hall, Grianor continued walking with Elion in the direction of the familiar voices, a light smile playing on his lips as he listened.
They stepped out through another small door that led to a beautiful garden at the rear, where two men were engaged in a game. The view behind them was ethereal, with the stunning waterfall serving as a backdrop.
An elderly-looking man, smiling brightly, sat across from a younger man on a cushion arrangement on the green lawn. A game board filled with white and black round marbles separated them. As he sensed Grianor's presence, the elderly man spoke while arranging the marbles.
"What brings you here this time, Grianor?"
"Greetings, Your Divine Excellency," Grianor said as he walked forward and bowed. "I am here to visit you."
The young man sitting in front of the emperor stood up, greeted Grianor, and stepped aside, making room for him.
The elderly man, Solarius the Divine, the Emperor of Heaven who had chosen to isolate himself from all heavenly matters and live in seclusion, turned to look at the promising figure before him.
"Are you sure it is to visit me, Grianor?" Solarius raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Your Divine Excellency," Grianor answered.
A light, peaceful smile played on Solarius's lips, his eyes filled with ethereal calmness. His entire being emitted a divine aura. Despite the wrinkles at the corners of his light caramel eyes and his long hair turned grey, he was as impressive as any celestial being. He was still the most powerful entity in heaven, with unmatched cultivation.
"But the way you address me suggests that this visit is not just a visit," Solarius spoke playfully.
"What if I say both, but one means more than the other?" Grianor asked.
"That depends on how you continue to address me."
"May I have the pleasure of playing with the Imperial Father?" Grianor said.
Hearing the change in address, Solarius chuckled in delight. "Have a seat, then."
Grianor sat in front of the Emperor, on the other side of the game board, and heard him say, "You'd better defeat me, Grianor. I have grown tired of winning every time."
"I will do my best, Imperial Father," Grianor replied with a light smile, delighted to visit this man whom he had always considered his father.
As the two continued to play a new game, Solarius asked, "What is the least important reason for this visit?"
"I want to visit Him, the Lord of Absolute Darkness," Grianor replied.
"And you do not know how to reach him?" Solarius added as he played his move with the white marble.
Grianor nodded and placed the black marble on the board. "No one can reach him unless He wishes it."
"May I know the reason for visiting him all of a sudden?"
"I am not sure if it would please or displease the Imperial Father."
Grianor calmed himself and lowered his head. "Apologies for losing my composure and acting this way in front of the Imperial Father."
Solarius chuckled. "You do not need to apologize. I am glad you still care for him the same."
"How is he now? I want to meet him."
"Perhaps still recovering," Solarius replied. "Regarding visiting him, I will send him a message. If he agrees, you can visit him."
"Thank you, Imperial Father."
"You should play aggressively, Grianor. I see you being defeated," Solarius commented as they turned their attention back to the game.
"I do not think so," Grianor replied, making his move.
"Hmm, that is certainly impressive," Solarius noted.
While playing, Grianor glanced at Solarius occasionally, his thoughts conflicted.
"Say it already," Solarius said playfully. "Keeping something bothersome in mind is not a good thing."
"The person Lord of Absolute Darkness gave his word to, didn't the Imperial Father try to find out who it was?" Grianor asked, a hint of hesitation in his voice.
Solarius raised a brow, "Should I have?"
"Yes."
"As I have chosen to be in seclusion, it's not for me to concern myself with matters other than what comes to me directly on its own."
"What if that someone concerns you, Imperial Father?"
Solarius smiled playfully at the concerned Grianor. "Then what do you suggest I should do?"
"Is the Imperial Father truly unaware of who that someone might be?"
Instead of answering, Solarius glanced around the board, deducing his next move. "You are getting better at this, Grianor."
"Thank you," he replied politely and watched him play.
"Who do you think was always so important to Him that he consider the weight of words given to her was equal to the oaths he had taken with heavens?" Solarius finally spoke. "No one needs to even think about it twice. She was his own heaven."
Grianor understood and said, "Then aren't you eager to meet your grandson?"
"As I said before, I only concern myself with those who come to me here on their own."
"Isn't Imperial Father curious about his own daughter?"
"The same rule applies to her as well, even though she is my daughter. This is the secluded life I chose for myself," Solarius replied. "Moreover, isn't it against the heavenly rules to look into her life in the mortal realm?"
Grianor nodded and didn't press further. The two continued to play and talk. After the game was over, Grianor was ready to leave, and Solarius walked with him to escort him.
"I am glad someone finally defeated me after so long," Solarius commented in delight. "As expected of the Supreme Lord I had chosen carefully."
Grianor simply smiled as he walked along and said, "This place is so peaceful that I feel reluctant to leave it."
"Are you envious of this old forgotten deity now that I am living peacefully here?"
"I certainly envy you, but I disagree with the 'old forgotten deity' part."
Solarius chuckled. "If you envy me, then care to join me in living here?"
"Can I?" Grianor asked.
"Hmm. Once you find an heir to pass your throne to, just like I found you and Him. Then, like me, you can live in peace until you decide to cease to exist."
"I will," Grianor replied. "Being a ruler is rather tiresome."
"We all have our own roles to play. I wish you to play yours in the most delightful way."
Grianor left while Solarius stood looking at the beautiful sky ahead. 'Young Dragon. I believe he is as wonderful as his parents. Maybe there will be a day when he comes to me on his own and gets to see him before I cease to exit.'
He turned around to return inside, a delightful smile playing on his lips. 'I wonder what traits of mine he has inherited from Evanthe. It would be interesting to see. Hmm, certainly as good-looking as I used to be in my youth. Evanthe always said I was the most handsome person in all three realms. My daughter, she always told the truth.'