Chapter Text
The Twin Peoples, The First Revelation
As preserved in the Consuétude
I.
In the time before time, the world was without wisdom.
Oceans divided the land, and the land bore no name.
The birds ruled the winds, the fish ruled the deeps, and the beasts commanded the plains.
Yet humankind, clever but astray, walked upon the earth with empty hearts.
They sought to govern themselves, but knew not the shape of justice.
And so they bowed to the beasts, and were as beasts themselves.II.
Then Providence stirred, and Providence provided.
From the fire came Mother Nova, luminous in her grace.
From the mountain came Father Rogue, solemn in his wisdom.
She was the flame that destroys and renews.
He was the stone that endures and reveals.III.
Mother Nova beheld the West, where rains fell unbidden and spirits wandered.
She gave to the people her fire, her shelter, her name.
Father Rogue beheld the East, where the soil was cursed and hunger took root.
He gave the people his stone, his strength, his word.IV.
Yet the flame grew lonely, and the stone ached for voice.
Each yearned for the other across the stream that sundered land from land.
And so they met at twilight, where river cut the world in twain.
They were enthralled. And in their union, Providence rejoiced.V.
From their embrace came twin gifts.
A daughter they named Marcia, a son they named Nicephore.
Marcia bore the mind of her father, discerning and deep.
Nicephore bore the fire of his mother, proud and bright.VI.
In time, Mother Nova returned to flame, and Father Rogue to stone.
Their bodies passed from sight, but their essence endured.
They entrusted the care of the East and the West to their children.
But the children chose different paths.VII.
Marcia turned from rule and sought the secret paths of wisdom.
Her followers built halls of knowledge and lit no throne.
Nicephore accepted the crown and ruled the people with fire and law.
Yet in his heart, a shadow grew.VIII.
He feared his sister’s silence and her sight beyond sight.
In anger and sorrow, he cast her out.
“Go westward,” he said, “and return nevermore.”
And Providence watched, and Providence wept.IX.
The stream widened into the River Mouille, and it remembered.
Marcia crossed with her followers, and they wept not.
The West became the land of Nova.
The East became the land of Rogue.X.
In time, the twins too decayed. But their names remained.
At death’s hour, they returned to the river, each from their own shore.
But the waters were wide, and they could not cross.
They cried out to one another, but the winds scattered their words.XI.
Marcia became a star. Nicephore a torch in the sky.
They shine as twin lights above the world.
Forever distant. Forever together.
Providence provides. Providence preserves.
So it is written. So it endures.