Ania and Bjorn stood before the altar as the villagers jabbered excitedly behind them. 'What's taking him so long!' Ania could barely contain her excitement as they patiently awaited the arrival of their god. Her wide eyes stared at the wooden throne that the villagers had created just beyond the altar.
Bjorn was busy taking deep breaths. He was hoping that Exile was happy with his more recent actions. If they pleased the God that was all that mattered to him. To know that his actions had helped a higher purpose. The crowd was growing restless, each of them hoped that they would finally be able to witness Exile as Ania did.
Sarri wrung her hands out of nervousness as she stared at her daughter's back. 'She's become so important! Her father will be so proud!' Suddenly a golden light appeared on the opposite side of the altar. Stealing everyone's attention as silence descended in the temple.
Bjorn frowned as he felt a sense of pressure emanating from that light. When he glanced over his shoulder, he noticed that it seemed as if every villager present could see it. A golden, featureless man walked out of that light, making the temple gasp as one. However, the frown on Bjorn's face deepened as Ania squinted at the figure!
The God who had descended said nothing as he walked to one side of the room. His movements were closely followed by every eye in the room. Moments later, another golden figure appeared. Followed by another, then another. Gasps came from the villagers as they stared at five golden figures.
'What's going on?' Ania chewed on her lower lip as she stared at them. None of them had the familiar feeling that she got when she had previously been around Exile. They all felt like strangers! The golden light that they had all come from suddenly turned brighter! A heavier pressure descended in the temple, forcing everyone except Bjorn and Ania to bow their heads!
A warm feeling washed over Ania as she stared at the figure before her. Although there was golden light emanating from him, she could not help but gasp! 'I can see him!' Her eyes glanced over the armour that Exile wore, before settling on his face. His dirty blonde hair was styled in a traditional Skardian manner. Where it had been pulled back away from his face into a wolf tail. His hair had been shaved at one side while a few braids dangled on the other. His neat, short beard gave a sense of ruggedness to his features as his blue eyes scanned the room.
'It seems I was right to have the others go first...' Exile heaved a sigh of relief as he took in the shocked expressions. He glanced around the room and noticed the throne behind him. 'I guess I shouldn't leave them with any doubt.'
Ania stared as Exile marched towards the throne as if he owned the place, before taking his seat as the other Gods lined up on either side of him. She could not help but notice that two on either side of him stood at a bit of a distance. However, one figure stood close by to the right side of the throne.
Exile wore a serious expression as he stared at the crowd inside of his temple. It took a moment before he let his eyes settle on Ania and Bjorn. His expression softened slightly as he met Ania's gaze and gave her a subtle nod. Startling her into action!
"Lord Exile! We are blessed to be in your presence! What can we mortals do for you?" Ania bowed her head as she recited the etiquette that had been written in the book that Bjorn guarded.
'Why's she so stiff sounding?' Exile frowned as he listened to the words that came out of Ania's mouth. Exile coughed to clear his throat before he glanced at the broad smiles on the faces of his companions.
"I am here today to give you notice. I am no longer merely Exile, God of the Hearth. I am Exile, King of The Ragnarok Pantheon of Gods!" His voice boomed throughout the temple, causing everyone present to inhale deeply as they grasped the meaning behind the other figures!
Ania's eyes went wide as one by one the veil was lifted on the other figures! Their light dimmed enough for Ania and Bjorn to grasp what they looked like as their eyes shot from one to another. However, Exile did not give them time to adjust to this statement of his!
"From now on, I proclaim that this temple shall worship each of the Gods beside me! First, Claymore!" Exile raised his hand and Clay stepped forward. "God of Strength!"
"Next we have Old Un, God of Lost Travellers!"
"Third we have Moist Burrito!" Exile coughed as he called out this name with some embarrassment. "God of Wild Plants!"
"Next we have Desa, God of Lakes!"
"And finally, IAmLegend! God of Winter Winds!"
The temple went silent as they digested Exile's speech. Some were more excited than others. Depending on whether these new Gods could have any benefit to their daily lives. Most of these Gods solely benefitted warriors, hunters and travellers. So the majority of the villagers in the temple still preferred Exile over any of the others. Especially since every home had a hearth!
"Ania!" Exile turned his gaze back on the first NPC to acknowledge him. "You will erect altars for each of them within this temple."
"If that is what you desire..." Ania hesitated as she worried that others may deem some of the new Gods as being more important than Exile.
Bjorn, on the other hand, was ecstatic! To have more Gods descend from the heavens to watch over them was like a dream come true! 'I'll have to find a way to please them all!'
"Oh, and Ania?" Exile smiled warmly at her as she lifted her gaze to meet his. "I hereby proclaim you to be the head Oracle of The Ragnarok Pantheon!"