A LORE OF LEMURIA:

PARSING THE WINDS OF TIME

Lemurian Terminology:

Ein’terada: called the Shadow Dance; it is a dance form, martial arts style and artistic form indulged in by ladies in the Southern part of Lemuria. Very intricate, excellence in it accorded the practitioner great status.

Centurino: a state in the continent of Pacifis in Ancient Earth, which was invaded by the Dominion of Atlantis in the War of the Three Races. The ruler of Centurino, the Primieta, donated fighting vehicles, called gorolans, to the Lemurians, in exchange for the asylum that was accorded to certain luminaries of that state. It is said that the asylum was principally granted to the Crown Princess of that state. Subsequent events have revealed that the partnership between Lemuria and Centurino, as well as between Lemuria and Excelsior, have been far deeper than at once imagined.

Culling of the Moonrise: a rite of passage practiced by suitors in Southern Lemuria. The suitors are the ones that are contemplating marriage ties with Southern Lemurian royalty. The suitors have to prove themselves worthy of their beloveds by surviving in a special jungle filled with ferocious animals of all kinds. In the final stages of the rite, they have to solve and navigate and intricate set of puzzles, while fighting for their very lives against traps, and the like. Here, moonrise represented the ‘tears of the maiden” and culling means the elimination of those suitors unworthy of her attention.

Gorolan: a fighting vehicle, concept originally conceived by Centurino’s military engineers. Its basic design was modified by Lemurians to form a compact, and adaptable fighting vehicle, containing a pair, usually a warrior and navigator. These gorolans proved effective in the aerial defense of Lemuria, which was pressed by battleships coming from the Dominion of Atlantis.

Zeirwood: wood from the magickal forests of Excelsior; also the jungle itself where these ancient trees are located. This is the primary reason why Atlantis invaded Excelsior.

The Training Grounds

Lemuria

Some of the leading commanders had been asked to attend an exercise in the training grounds, and Imanaran favoured his favourite pastime of reminiscing while waiting for the representatives from the Court of Mages.

As usual, he was remembering his beloved. He closed his eyes and imagined the scene. It came to him in waves of memory, born in the scents of love, and passion, and possibility.

The Dwelling House of the Ein’terada Dancers was sometimes closed during this time of night, but the young Lemurian warrior was a most persistent observer of protocols. His lady had set the time after all, and he was a follower of tradition.

Commander Imanaran Daythara evein Zard entered the premises and quietly waited for his lady.

And the beautiful Yesedina approached. She was a breathtaking figure, considered one of the most beautiful of the Southern Lemurians.

The young warrior executed a perfect Lemurian bow.

“My lady.”

“Commander.”

The ein’terada artist approached him and fingered Imanaran’s uniform. She let her dainty fingers play on his shoulders.

“The red colors…the battle section…” Yesedina circled her beloved, all the while fingering the lovely locks of Imanaran. “Did you choose this for yourself beloved?”

“No, I was… …I mean it is the Preceptors who chose them, my lady.” He swallowed.

“Battle magery is not your best suit, I know it, I know you Imanaran.”

“My lady,…….Imanaran has always been formal, even with those close to him, a product of his training in his adopted House Zard. “We are bound by narrow choices, the Court itself is not a military order, unlike those of Atlantica and Pacifis. We are out of our league here, strictly speaking. But we have to make do with our choices.”

“Of course, the Court has declared war on Atlantis, and they assume all of Lemuria has said yes to their decision. Has Telekarna been consulted? Did the Oracles of the Waygate reach a Foreshadowing? Were the Guardians of Thendarayan consulted?”

The young commander fell silent. His beloved’s words rang true. So many difficult choices, so little time.

“I am sorry to trouble you thus. However, it must be said. It was Atlantis which declared war on us in the first place.” He finally volunteered to say, breaking the silence between them.

“Of course. It is my fault, I am pressuring you again, Yesedina finally relented. “Are you going to attend the ‘Culling of the Moonrise?’ Father would like to know.”

Imanaran’s spine stiffened. The Culling of the Moonrise was a tradition among Southern Lemurian suitors. It was a rite of passage, wherein suitors of Telekarnian royalty had to show their bravery in battle against almost impossible odds. Yesedina was considered of royal blood in Southern Lemuria. Thus, the young commander was obliged to follow protocol and participate in it. It was, by all accounts, a bloodthirsty rite of passage. Many suitors had been known to die in the jungles of Telekarna.

“I shall.”

The young ein’terada artist let out a sigh of relief. She allowed herself a kiss, delicately planted onto the young commander’s cheeks.

“Thank you my love, you honor me, my house and my father.”

His reminiscence was cut short, when three luminaries from the Court of Mages arrived, accompanied by Commander Armalion of the Temple Corps. Lord Armalion was considered one of the best warriors in all of Gaea, he actually was his Preceptor in one of the classes at the Academy. Imanaran had the highest respect for him, and he saluted. Armalion returned the gesture with a nod and a smile.

“Commanders, attend!”

The Corps of Commanders deftly performed the classic Lemurian bow followed by the Salute of the Warriors. And smartly lined up for attention. Lady Levithera was the first to speak.

“Commanders, the Court assigned us as your Preceptors today to teach you the salient features of the gorolan. To master it, you will need to work as pairs. After this training, you shall echo this technique to your armies. Is that understood?”

“We hear and obey Mientara!” The Commanders replied in a smart chorus.

“Very good.” “Lord Armalion,……” Levi gestured, and Armalion summoned an odd-looking thing.

It was a thing shaped like a small boat, except that it was almost round, and the external construction was like that of wood. It had a hollow in the middle. All in all, it looked like a toy that children can play with.

“That is odd.” Said one warrior.

“Is that a vehicle my lady?” Battle Mage Zanarian Layar inquired?

Lady Levithera smiled. She looked at her two other companions who nodded in return. She was about to reply when someone else supplied the answer.

“That is a shaped like a gorolan, from the state of Centurino, in Pacifis. It is much smaller though. And typical gorolans have a mechanical contraption in the bottom, which serves as the engine. I find none here.” Commander Imanaran pointed out.

“Excellent observation, Commander!” Levi was very stingy in her praises, even at the Academy. She was quite impressed with this fellow. “How did you come to know this?”

“My lady, Lord Pyederus and Lady Thaniya presented a lecture at the Academy regarding the technological developments of certain key states of Pacifis. This was one of the vehicles discussed. I followed it up with research at the Library.”

Levi’s eyebrows raised. “Very good, at least one of you knows what this vehicle is all about. It should make our task easier, I wager.”

Imanaran had been inspecting the vehicle all the time while they were discussing it. And made another observation.

“But this is not ordinary wood, my lady.” He said.

A beautiful voice spoke. “Yes, that is zeirwood.” High Mage Apsanaia approached the throng of commanders and smiled. She uncorked a small lance and pointed it at the gorolan. Green light pulsed and the gorolan suddenly was elevating in the air!

Imanaran stared. She really was beautiful, perhaps one of the most beautiful in all of Gaea, even more beautiful than….and he was almost lost in reverie again. But Lady Apsanaia’s lovely voice interposed in his memory.

“The gorolans which were….donated…by Centurino were modified by some of our engineers. This version is decidedly smaller, more manoeuvrable, retrofitted for close combat purposes and adapted to the neurobiology of Lemurian mages and warriors.”

“Impressive! How is that possible?” The Lady Commander Lazea Guenamar asked.

It was High Mage Cynthara’s turn to speak. “Only the adaptation of zeirwood lumber from the fabled forests of Exclesior could have made it possible. The addition of zeirwood as a critical component allows a Lemurian mage or warrior to control this thing. But a solitary warrior would have little time to master it alone, given the circumstances, war being upon us. Thus, we are going to train you to work in pairs. One shall be the navigator, the other one shall fight.”

For centuries, the zeirwood forests of Excelsior had the most bountiful supply of Zeirwood trees, the most ancient in all of Gaea. Said to be imported from other star systems, the zeirwood trees were veritable repositroires of high magick. For example, a bow made of zeirwood could never be broken by natural means. It is no secret that the zeirwood forests of Excelsior were the primary reasons why Atlantis invaded them. Possession of the magickal trees was the first move of the War.

“Not all of us are mages,” Imanaran observed.

“Precisely,” Levi said, and suddenly the doors opened to admit a group of young mages from the Academy. They were actually flying the gorolans while they entered. “These students shall be your training navigators.”

“Now that you have understood the protocol, pair up.” Lady Apsanaia said.

The young mages and the commanders all paired up in the gorolans. Levi and Armalion paired up in the lead gorolan which faced all the others. The other two high mages sat to observe the action.

“This object, will focus the energy of the mage into the zeirwood of the gorolan itself.” Levi raised the small lance for all to see. Then proceeded to direct its green pulse into the gorolan. The vehicle powered up and rose into the air!

“While in combat, you shall be protected by at least two sets of shields. Your own personal shield as well as the shield that you can summon using the energy of the vehicle itself.” Levi gestured and both she and Armalion activated their shields. At the same time, a shield was activated all around the gorolan. The scene was a thing of beauty, and the commanders were awed.

“While in a combat situation, both the warrior and the navigator must work seamlessly, so that you are able to fly and fight as a unit.” Lord Armalion said. “It is essential that you devote much of your training to that effect.” Their gondola weaving a path through the air, Armalion drew his spear and launched it at the door. The gorolan barely moved from its seamless fight.

“Remember, that any movements from the warriors within, even the casting of magick, can adversely affect its flight” Armalion added. “Understood?”

“Yes sir!” The commanders and mages chorused.

“Let us have a demonstration. Commander Imanaran, activate your vehicle.”

The young mage beside Imanaran directed her small lance to their vehicle and it pulsed and instantly rose into the air. Imanaran nearly was outblanced but he managed to regain his footing, although he detected the hint of a smile coming from his companion.

Ah, she thinks I’m a novice in this thing. Well, I shall show her.

Their shields activating, his companion guided their gorolan right in front of Lady Levi and Armalion’s vehicle. That was too close for comfort. Imanaran looked sideways at his companion. She is a very impulsive fellow this one, too eager to show her martial prowess. His training partner was looking straight at the Preceptors, like she knew what she was doing. Imanaran almost shaked his head, the young ones are too eager to show their wares this day. During the olden times, Preceptors were more strict, with regards to etiquette and formality and attitude. It is this stupid war started by evil Atlantis, and they are forcing everyone to grow out of the our natural rhythms. He almost lost himself in reverie again.

“Attend!” Levi barked. And a simultaneous barrage of magickal fires tore at their vehicle. Coming from all sides, the noise and quickness of the launches surprised Imanaran himself. He knew the Lady Levithera’s reputation as one of the most skilled lady fighters in all of Lemuria. But he didn’t know that she was THIS fast. It all came without warning, and he didn’t even sense it.

And why not, since Lady Levithera was trained by the Lord Cirithonus himself.

Coming into the heels of this surprise was the second one Imanaran received when his training partner actually reversed the gorolan, which now suddenly presented their backs to their sparring opponents!

“Are you mad? You reversed the gorolan?!”

“Trust me!” was all his partner said. As the gorolan suddenly accelerated while still presenting their backs to the other pair! The fury of acceleration brought them so far behind the other pair now. Then their vehicle suddenly stopped while his companion hurled spell upon spell of magefire unto the gorolans of Levi and Armalion. The sheer fury and magnitude of the magefires seemed almost to turn the training arena into a whirlpool of sound, light and fire!

Safely protected inside their own gorolan, and encased in multiple defensive shields, Levi gestured to Lord Armalion. “Turn us around.”

“At once, my Lady.”

While Armalion deftly steered their vehicle into a fronting position, Levi countered with her own magefire. And for a time the two mages danced their tunes of coruscating fire with each other.

They were of a match.

Then, suddenly, Imanaran’s companion accelerated their vehicle a second time. This time it moved suddenly backwards at blinding speed, then reversed its movement to go forward again, in blinding speed.

Forward.

In a ramming manoeuvre onto their sparring partners.

“Are you crazy! Don’t!” Imanaran managed.

“Trust me!” His companion said a second time.

Speeding but instead of ramming, their gorolan assumed a final position right on top of the other one, locked in virtual embrace as their magnetic fields seemed to interlock in a vise that neither had the power to oppose.

The two gorolans became stationary. Stalemate.

Watching at the sidelines, the High Mages Apsanaia and Cynthara looked at each other in amazement.

But the speed of the interlocking uncorked all their defensive shields, and the acceleration process itself hurled his companion out of the gorolan’s airlock, if you can call it that.

His companion plunged into the ground.

Displaying preternatural speed, Commander Imanaran lunged and gripped his partner’s arms as she was about to be hurled, his iron grip saving her just in time.

The commanders and mages broke out in applause.

Congratulating them, Levi and Armalion checked that they were fine.

“Young lady, where did you learn that technique?” Levi asked Imanaran’s partner.

“I attended the Vector Dynamics lecture of the Court of Mages, Mientara,” she replied.

“How could you, that was reserved only for the High Mages of the Court?”

“Lady Illygana sneaked me in, my Lady.”

Levi laughed and rolled her eyes.

“Ok now, everyone practice sparring, try to be creative like this young lass here.”

While the commanders and mages assembled and manoeuvred their gorolans, Imanaran looked at his partner. Indeed a very young mage, she must still be a student at the Academy. So much potential, but very reckless, too. Perhaps he can temper that fire and direct it someday.

“Thanks for saving me up there. If not for you, I would have broken bones by now.” She said.

“Nothing the healers cannot mend, assuredly.” Imanaran replied.

Both of them laughed. Merriment inspired by the audacity of the moment, and the novelty of the previous maneuver.

“But that was creative, I must say. What is your name?”

“I am Amberlia Kiagan evein Lariel. And you?”

“My name is Imanaran Daythara evein Zard.” The Commander made a formal Lemurian bow, in the grand fashion.

Amberlia couldn’t suppress her chuckle.

“Why, you are so formal and correct! Are you a courtier at the Court?” She asked.

“I used to be in training for the ambassadorial team to Pacifis. But the War has come, and everyone must be enlisted, as is our duty. So here I am.”

“I see. From where are you?”

“From the south, Thendara in Telekarna.”

“Where they do the Culling of the Moonrise? That is so exciting, I want to visit there!”

“It is a very……exciting place for youngsters, I suppose.” Imanaran said.

“You must bring me there then, one time?” Amberlia had an irresistible charm when she put her mind to it.

Imanaran remembered his scene with his beloved, and stared sadly into the horizon.

Amberlia noticed and tried to lighten his mood.

“Are you betrothed?”

This time it was the commander’s turn to be enigmatic. He simply looked at her and said….

“It is complicated. Very complicated.”

And that is how the Commander Imanaran and the Lady Amberlia met at the training grounds of Lemuria. Both of them fought at the Final Battle. They would meet again, far into the future.

(Artwork from Pixabay, thank you.)