The Remaining Stewards Choose Successors

Life, Birth

Realizing they will all need to eventually pass on their power to "recharge" it or fade away, each of the remaining Stewards eventually chooses a mortal to be their successor, though the choices they make sometimes creates conflict and distance between them.

Zun, the god of summer, had always been protective of his siblings, though his intense nature often drove a wedge between him and the others. After witnessing Isoko’s successful transfer of power, Zun began to feel the weight of his own responsibilities and the inevitability of his mortality. Wanting to please Huichi, whom he deeply admired, Zun decided to choose a successor who might bring him closer to her.

Zun chose a Nakhasi mortal, believing that by taking the form of a Nakhasi, he would endear himself to Huichi, who had created the Nakhasi race. He became Zun-2, a mortal with the memories and powers of his predecessor. However, despite his efforts, this act did not bring him the closeness with Huichi that he desired. Huichi, though fond of her creation, was not swayed by Zun-2’s actions. In response, she chose to take the form of a Maian woman, becoming Huichi-2. This decision left Zun-2 heartbroken and bitter, driving him further down a path of isolation.

Resh, the eldest and most contemplative of the Stewards, watched the changes in his siblings with concern. Seeing the inevitable decline of their powers and the need to maintain the balance on Alathor, Resh decided to follow in the footsteps of Isoko and Zun. He chose a successor carefully, selecting a mortal who embodied his values of patience, wisdom, and compassion.

The transfer of power from Resh-1 to Resh-2 was a solemn and deliberate process. Unlike the turmoil that followed Zun-2’s succession, Resh-2 brought a sense of continuity and stability. The new Resh continued the stewardship of winter, ensuring that the cycles of life and death remained in harmony.