The Hime-Lemja

The Hime-Lemja, or Heaven-Break, is a naturally occurring light display in the far north of Seori, above the Black Fortress in the Remnants of the Spine.
There are no known records of the Hime-Lemja from before the Calamity and subsequent Ascension. Some historians suggest that the Hime-Lemja simply did not exist prior to the Calamity; it is widely believed that the mutual destruction of two god-like powers permanently altered the fabric of reality.
Every one hundred years, thought to be on the anniversary of the Ascension, the Hime-Lemja ignites in the northernmost skies, offering a rare glimpse into the other planes of existence. Lasting for between three days and two weeks, the Hime-Lemja is the only known time when it is possible to travel seamlessly between the planes, although it is only possible to do so from within the Black Fortress.
Since the Ascension, numerous cultures and communities across Seori have come to believe that the Hime-Lemja is a sign of peace and unity; standing to remind those on the Mortal Plane of what lies just beyond the bounds of their perceived reality, to help them to remember the significance of the Gods. This event is commonly viewed as a chance to perceive Heaven, to bask in the light of the Gods, to request aid from Celestial powers. For many, it is a time to come together with one’s community, to celebrate shared ideals, and to spread the embodiment of the Gods’ values.
While mortals celebrate the Hime-Lemja, immortal souls engage in viscous battle before the Black Fortress, as each Ascendant fights to preserve their connection to the tower. This is one of the few, consistent instances of Gods killing Gods; the strong targeting the weak, the clever clearing paths for their own future success. Alliances are forged and lost based on the Hime-Lemja, although there is typically a general agreement among most to ensure that the dual-descendants of the original Óvættrs do not gain access to the Black Fortress itself.
The earliest recorded account of the lights comes from an epic saga attributed to bard Phibi Rivenstone, detailing the events leading up to, and immediately following the final battle between Ambition and Inevitability.

“We stood upon the edge of battle, our numbers few, resources depleted, morale all but wasted to nothingness; in the distance, His forces gathered, united, behind His banner; He who betrayed us, who returned from the brink to fulfill His own Ambitions.
Like two titanic beasts, they collided; not as individual entities, but as raw forces of nature, unstoppable, unmoveable, caught in a seemingly endless cacophony of lights and sounds and heat, their essences striking devastating blows to each other for what seemed an endless time;
Until finally, they anihilated each other.
The very earth itself began to tear, a single, jagged line extending from where the Two fell to the heart of the Black Fortress; and when the crack reached the tower, the world erupted into light, every plane of existence separating in mortal vision, distinct and unwavering in all things.
And they came - the inhabitants of these other planes, drawn to the death of not One, but Two - the last of the Ten to fall.
As we watched, the layers began to separate further; some merging, others flying as far apart as possible, colors shifting, lights flashing, as new Planes began to emerge; the first changes in all of time, something new, something unknown.
And rather than joining our enemies on the battlefield, they dispersed, falling in line instead behind those who had called upon them for the first time in millennia - the Ascendants.
Where once had stood our friends, our mentors, our allies, now stood gods: Vigilance, Wisdom, Hope, Honor, Courage, Innovation, Fable. They looked themselves, but different; brighter; stronger.
‘Thank you,’ Vigilance said, not in words, but in our minds. ‘For helping us to remember that which we never knew.’
Above us, the light began to spread in waves, different and distinct colors and hues, each Plane of existence adopting a permanent place in the fabric of our new reality; and as each settled, more arrived, the sky coming to life as celestial power rained down upon Seori, called to the power from whence they were created, reforged, renewed.”

Type

Metaphysical, Divine