Oculi Atoris
In the days of yore, when darkness did hold dominion over Tel and lawless deeds did abound, as it came to pass, that brother did rise against brother, both by violence and subtilty. Yea, even the fathers of the children wrought wickedness against their own flesh and blood. And the land was filled with bloodshed, for man did slay his fellow man. Moreover, the grievous sin of warti did spread openly amongst the people, corrupting their souls and staining the land.
The immortal gods did look down upon the tumult with heaviness of heart. And Ator did behold the iniquity of mortals, and thus was moved with vengeance.
And it came to pass that Ator, in his righteous indignation, did pluck out his own eyes and cast them into the firmament where they became two radiant moons, shining beacons of light in the eternal darkness. And these celestial orbs, imbued with Ator's unwavering resolve, did become the eternal watchmen of Tel, overseeing the land with vigilant eyes.
The first moon did bear yet a residue of the copper ichor it did secrete, and for this it was known as Ayus. The second moon, however, was cleansed and did reflect the radiance of Ator's eye, clear as a mirror wrought of silver, and thus it was named Alcenta.
And during the dark hours ruled by Esperus, the twin moons, Ayus and Alcenta, did cast their luminous gaze upon the surface of the land. And lo, no longer could evil-doers hide in the shadows, for Ator's piercing eyes did penetrate the darkness, revealing their misdeeds unto the light of justice. Murderers, assailants, and thieves were brought to accompt for their crimes, their deeds laid bare for all to see.
And their radiant light did pierce through the veil of night, revealing the lurking dangers that lay hidden within the forests. Thus did man see Bira's beasts as they stalked their prey under the cover of night, enabling them to defend themselves against the dangers of the wilderness.
Over the vast expanse of Naeia's seas, the twin moons, Ayus and Alcenta, did enforce the law of the tides over the sea-goddess's fickle temperment. With their celestial influence, they did bring order to the once-chaotic waters, regulating the ebb and flow of the ocean currents. No longer did tempests rage unchecked, or treacherous whirlpools threaten to engulf unsuspecting sailors, for the moons' divine guidance did steer them clear of perilous waters.
Yet the moons' influence did extend beyond the land and sea; yea, they did also regulate the passage of time itself. Under the guidance of Gerdia, mortals did learn to construct a calendar based upon the waxing and waning of Ayus and Alcenta. And with this knowledge, they did sow their fields at the appropriate time, ensuring bountiful harvests and prosperity for all.
And so, through their watchful vigilance and divine guidance, the twin moons, Ayus and Alcenta, as Ator's eternal eyes, did bring order and harmony to the chaotic realm of Tel. Their radiant light did illuminate the path to justice and prosperity, guiding mortals through the darkness and into the light of Ator's law.
Ultio Atoris, Misericordia Maiae
When the world of Tel lay yet swaddled in the clothes of its infancy, Ator, the divine being whose name doth strike awe for his dominion over Justice, Vengeance, and Oaths, did cast his stern gaze down upon humanity with eyes both keen and righteous. Yet, within the hearts of these men, a sin did fester and spread, a foul corruption known as warti, a transgression that did grievously offend against the edicts of righteousness.
Witnessing this abomination, the wrath of Ator did kindle within him, burning with the fierce intensity of a thousand stars. He was driven by a righteous fury to smite the mortals from the very face of the world, to expunge their wickedness and cleanse it in the purifying flames of his holy judgement. However, ere he could unleash his righteous retribution, forth stepped Maya, his wife, the very embodiment of Mercy, Love, and Peace.
With tears tracing glistening paths down her fair cheeks, Maya did beseech her husband, her voice filled with heartfelt supplication. "Oh, Ator," she implored, "mighty and just, suffer not thine righteous fury to consume all that dwell upon Tel. Though they have strayed from the path of righteousness, let mercy temper thy judgement, for amongst them yet reside those who hold fast to the embers of goodness within their hearts."
And upon hearing the fervent plea of his beloved wife, the flames of Ator's righteous anger did subside, and he stayed his hand from unleashing the destruction of mankind. Instead, he did decree that henceforth, each mortal would stand before him individually, to be judged for the deeds they had wrought, both righteous and wicked. Thus, Ator, the God of Justice, Vengeance, and Oaths, did forgo the collective punishment of humanity for their transgressions, choosing instead to weigh each soul upon the scales of their own merits and shortcomings. And so, the covenant between Ator and Maya was established, a testament to the enduring balance of justice and mercy that would forever hold sway throughout this age.
Fabula Dexanidae Iudicus
In the early days of the Fourth Age, the land of Thalassia was renowned for its bustling ports and diverse population. Merchants from far-flung realms did trade their wares, and people of all races mingled freely. Yet, with such diversity came conflicts and disputes that required the wisdom of the Ten Judges.
Among these Judges was Dexanides, known far and wide for his unerring sense of justice and his ability to discern truth from falsehood. Such was his reputation that people from distant lands sought his judgement, believing his decisions to be as fair as they were final.
One day, a grave case was brought before Judge Dexanides. Two merchants, Neranos and Ipherios, both claimed ownership of a magnificent ruby, said to be imbued with magical properties. The gem was found in the bustling market square, and both men insisted it had been stolen from them. The city was divided, with each merchant's supporters clamouring for justice.
Dexanides summoned both men to the High Court of Justice, a grand structure where disputes were settled under the watchful eyes of Ator. The hall was adorned with statues of the Ten Judges, their visages carved in marble, each a champion of justice.
Before rendering judgement, Dexanides decided to hear the testimony of both Neranos and Ipherios. Neranos, a trader in precious jewels, argued passionately that the ruby had been part of his collection, stolen during a recent raid on his warehouse. He presented documents and witnesses, all attesting to the existence of the gem in his inventory.
Ipherios, a merchant of rare artefacts, countered with his own evidence. He claimed to have acquired the ruby during a trade expedition to the distant lands that lay beyond the mountains of Arkania. His documents were equally compelling, and his witnesses swore to the authenticity of his claim.
As the arguments unfolded, Dexanides listened intently, his piercing ice-blue eyes never wavering. He noted the consistency in each man's story and the conviction with which they presented their cases. Yet, the evidence was equally balanced, and the truth seemed elusive.
In a moment of profound insight, Dexanides called for the Scales of Truth, an ancient artefact said to possess the power to reveal the veracity of any claim. The scales were made of gleaming orichalcum, their power a gift from Ator himself.
Dexanides placed the ruby on one side of the scales and invited Neranos and Ipherios to place their hands on the other side. As they did so, he invoked a prayer to Ator, asking for divine guidance to reveal the true owner of the gem.
A hush fell over the hall as the scales began to glow with a soft, ethereal light. Slowly, the side bearing the ruby rose, whilst the side touched by Neranos and Ipherios descended. The light grew brighter, and a voice, clear and resonant, echoed through the chamber: "The gem belongeth to the one who speaketh with a pure heart."
Dexanides then asked each man to swear an oath on the scales, affirming their claim to the ruby. Neranos stepped forward first, placing his hand on the scales. As he spake, the light flickered, and the scales remained steady.
When Ipherios approached, a remarkable change occurred. As soon as his hand touched the scales and he began to speak, the light intensified, and the scales tipped dramatically toward him. The voice returned, this time louder and more definitive: "This man speaketh the truth."
Judge Lysandros then declared the ruby rightfully belonged to Ipherios. Neranos, despite his earlier fervor, accepted the judgement with grace, acknowledging the divine intervention that had revealed the truth.
The people of Thalassia marvelled at the wisdom of Dexanides, who had not only upheld the principles of Ator's law but had also demonstrated the divine nature of true justice.
