#umbral plane
(This is a bit of exploring of some primordial gods I am making with Death and Emptiness as domains. This is also placed in another plane I am making.)
The umbral plane was a place of rolling darkness, crumbling buildings made out of sparkling black stone that could reflect like a mirror. Within the center of it stood a towering citadel with a single white star that sat above it, the only light in the vast darkness.
The citadel was filled with narrow and twisting hallways as well as wide open rooms with a thick layer of dust in it. Others were busy with all manner of creatures silently moving about without rest or pause. Corpses were pushed through hallways and spirits floated aimlessly before being directed to their proper place-death was not as easy as mortals would like to believe after all.
In the heart of the citadel sat a grand throne in a dusty room, the air stale as a figure sat upon the seat of stone. They were a slim, wiry thing with light grey skin that seemed stretched over their skeletal frame with a crown of bone white horns around their head. Hair so dark it seemed to have a blue sheen to it was bound back as a veil covered most of their face, concealing their eyes. The clothing they wore seemed to be made out of the darkest ink, making the rest of the realm appear brillant beside it as ghostly faces formed in the fabric before fading away again.
The only sound in the room was the tapping of a single finger on the arm rest of their seat, head resting on the other hand. Tap. Tap. Tap. The sound went on as a silver moth flew out of the shadows, landing on their hand, the tapping ceasing as they looked over, raising their hand slowly a moment.
“You have been lost in thought, Mort’ith.” an airy voice spoke as the figure in the seat turned their head toward the noise. “I was beginning to worry you’d blend in with the dust soon.” A dark figure went on, featureless nearly save for pure white eyes they had.
“Apologies, Shomi.” Mort’ith responded, voice deep and soothing to hear as they slowly rose from the throne, moth still on one hand as the other reached out, a jeweled cane appearing in hand as Shomi glided next to their sibling silently. “I am…troubled I think. Where are you?” they asked.
“On your right. Like always.” Shomi answered as Mort’ith nodded, beginning to walk forward, cane tapping here and there.
“Of course…” They said, face looking toward the moth again. “What does this look like to you?”
“A moth.” Shomi answered, tilting their head. “White like snow with translucent wings.”
“It sounds lovely.” Mort’ith said as the moth took flight, the deity following it’s path. “I only see the soul. A light with form-strong yet fragile.” they went on as it flew off toward the ceiling before Mort’ith began walking again.
“What troubles you, sibling?” Shomi asked, walking with them, their feet making no noise. “You are known for getting lost in your mind but this is different.”
“Souls pour in from all planes to this place. The Shattering sent so many lights to me yet I still stand in the dark to what caused it. What cracked our beautiful world and nearly destroyed it.” Mort’ith said, pausing as they came to a balcony, looking down as if to survey the umbral realm they called home. “Our one purpose was to create something that would last. Yet I am here, a reminder that nothing may last…”
“Death is ever present. In order for there to be a beginning, there must be an end.” Shomi told them. “Do you not enjoy your lights?”
“I do.” Mort’ith said, continuing along a path that built itself as they walked along the outside of the citadel, Shomi floating behind. “But I am concerned that I will be needed to tell an ending I do not wish to utter.”
“I do not understand your concern.” Shomi said, looking at the white star that sat above them. “If we fail, then we fail. And we will begin again from the emptiness. Back into the void and we will fill it again. Purpose or not, we will march forward.” they stated as Mort’ith paused, Shomi nearly running into them.
“Hmm…” they hummed, not saying more for a moment before walking forward more. “I forget your apathy. Perhaps I should speak with the others about this.”
“I do not conceal my nature.” they agreed. “Though you have expressed annoyance for the others.“
“Yes. But creation has suffered a wound and with Dayfaa sealed away, it will not heal easy. Better to express caution and see what is trying to fester before it can worsen.” Mort’ith said, Shomi not commenting.
