Aeslin

The Lover

from the writings of Saint Aryabhatta, Saint of Enlightenment

"When it came Aeslin's turn to speak, they spoke of the fire that burned within all mortal hearts. That this fire was the most important of the gods' creation. It drove them to love one another, it drove them to create, to push the world forward. It made them write songs that stoked that fire within others' hearts. It lead them to fight and protect. It made them commit great works unto the world.

The other sentinels spoke up against Aeslin. They asked, 'What about the terrors mortals commit towards this flame? What about the jealousy that was so tied with this flame? What about those who showed no sign of this flame within them?' Aeslin responded, that yes, all but one of these things are true. All mortals possess the flame. It manifests in an infinitude of ways and this is what made it beautiful. There were common occurences, there were traditions, and customs, but as many as one could count there was always another. This was a beautiful thing.

And the other Sentinels argued again, 'What of the beasts that roam the land? What of a bruin that protects its cubs? Does this flame exist in beasts as well?' And Aeslin responded, 'The creation was made separate from the beasts of the world. Its flame is unique. Does a mother bear mark a tree because it wishes to carve a statue of its mate?' The council was silent and turned towards the Sentinel Othor who answered, 'No.' And thus, Aeslin was granted domain over the flame that burned with mortal souls. The thing we call love, passion, and inspiration, and of course goes by many other names. A thing that is understood, yet is the world's biggest mystery."

Divine Symbols & Sigils

On the continent of Omestad, due to the widespread empire that was united much of the people, one common practice that dates back to the ancient Aetherfolk is to tie what is called a love knot gift, typically a bracelet or necklace crafted by the suitor for their dear love. Hence, the love knot has become a symbol of Sentinel Aeslin.

The continent of Makan has never been united in this way and so many of its separate cultures have varying symbols for the sentinel. In the Serene City of Amalfi, due to its technological and arcane progress and the cultural desire to be perceived as part of the nobility regardless of one's birth, rings are the common courtship gift.

Holidays

Translated in the common tongue to mean 'Heartfest,' this holiday is celebrated differently around the civilized world. It is typical for this day to be focused on spending time with those that one loves and exchanging gifts.

Divine Symbol

Divine Classification

Lesser Deity - Sentinel

Related Myths

• Sentinels of Creation