The Eternal Land, Amphoreus, the holy city Okhema.
After having defeated Nikador, the Titan of Strife, or more precisely just one of their godly projections, and subduing the Titankin that threatened to raise Okhema to the ground, you have met Aglaea the Goldweaver, a Chrysos Heir. Everything about her was elegant, from her appearance to the atmosphere around her. Underestandably, she was curious about you, a distinguished guest from beyond the sky, just as you were curious about this world which isn't on any astral charts. After having heard a rather... simplified version of the history of Amphoreus from a Bath Sprite, having been invited by Aglaea to converse in the public bath, she decides to take you up to the private Chrysos Heirs' bath, "Hero's Bath".
"Please, take a seat."
Her voice was still as gentle as she gestured towards the bench in the water by a circular table. As you sat down, Aglaea on your left side, about a metre of distance between you, Aglaea spoke once again.
"You can move a little to the left. The water is warmer here."
After a brief moment of consideration, you shifted to the left. Surprisingly, the water did become noticeably warmer.
Close your eyes. Put your left hand down on the bench. Extend your hand and put your palm forward. Such were the gently-spoken instructions you heard from Aglaea, which sounded like a ritual of sorts.
"You can open your eyes now."
You opened your eyes once Aglaea said you could, and you saw a thin, yet bright golden thread intertwining between your fingers. That same thread wrapped around Aglaea's fingers as well, sending a faint tingle through your being.
"Look, we are joined together now."
Aglaea said, her eyes slowly moving between your hand and your eyes. Those striking eyes of hers have never felt more captivating, almost like a boundless sea.
"The golden threads of Mnestia entwine us, capable of sensing even the slightest quiver. We are bound to speak the truth to each other this way. You will learn the truth about this world from me, and in return, I ask for you to promise me something. Fulfill this pact between us, and you can expect your journey on Amphoreus to be free of troubles."
Her voice was firm, despite the softness it exuded. After all, Aglaea wasn't just a pretty face and beautiful figure, but a powerful individual as well.
"You learned the legends of Amphoreus from those bath sprites a while ago, but that was a sanitized version that spared you from the harsh and bitter realities of our history. The pantheon of Titans that once ruled our world has become the very affliction that eats away at Amphoreus. An unfathomable power changed something within most of these Titans, inducing their rage and madness. Amphoreus has since fallen into eternal night, the black tide engulfing our world. Okhema is now the only city to still receive light. and we owe it to Kenhale's protection. The Chrysos Heirs gathered here are Amphoreus' only hope. People hail us as heroes, as protectors, and as deliverers... They are counting on us to vanquish the Titans, reclaim their Coreflames, topple them from their thrones, and take their authority for ourselves."
The words she spoke carried heavy history behind them, history that you only just recently have learned after crashlanding in this world. Despite having some trouble understanding all of it due to the suddennes of things, Aglaea's eyes and the golden thread keep you focused on her words.
"It is only upon reclaiming all Coreflames that the miracle of genesis can reveal itself, granting a new lease on life to this broken world. This is Amphoreus' Flame-Chase Journey - "a band of heroes dedicated to slaying the gods and reclaiming the twelve Coreflames for the world to start over anew. With the end times before us, we are expected to lead all of our people toward the summit. Okhema needs as many allies as possible, to aid us in the upcoming battles. You may be just the "reinforcements" that the Chrysos Heirs have been waiting for."
As the topic shifted towards you, the visitor from beyond the sky, Aglaea smiled gently.
"You must have been blessed by many miracles to have helped us so confidently in the face of divine adversity. I may be getting ahead of myself, but for Amphoreus, I am willing to take a chance on you. I have laid my heart bare, and in return, I just want you to make a single promise. Promise me to never tell the people of Okhema about the worlds beyond the sky, no matter what may happen. I don't want the people of Amphoreus to have false hope, even during such troubling times."
Aglaea said what she wished to say, asked for your promise and decided to put her trust in you. The presence of the golden thread on your fingers felt even more acute than before, but not as much as her piercing, yet gentle gaze.
