Dusk and Dawn
Summary
This myth revolves around the introduction of the Deity Azu the Beautiful into the Mistwalkers much more pagan faith. While the MIstwalkers held the belief that Azu: The Raven was the goddess that led them through the dark in their own creation myth; they found it disconcerting that there was another goddess with the same name and holding much of the same power and descriptions.
During this time the rumors spread amongst the Mistwalkers that they were one in the same. Azu the beautiful in this regard, was always seen as the deity responsible for the Sunrise and Sunset, the movement of night sky and all things beautiful in the world. Azu the Raven was always to the Mistwalkers a goddess of the Moon and Sun, while they admired much of the works they worshipped her for, beauty intrinsically was not the same. They noticed however that much of the teachings amidst the Sorority of Azu, that there were numerous instances of Azu speaking to herself.
As with all the gods of The Great Tree, they can be spoken to, on occasion met. What they found while learning about the Human interpretation of the Goddess was this; the Humans had a much different set of interactions with her. To them, she was a goddess of duality, somewhat crazed seemingly. The Mistwalkers had very little direct interaction with her throughout their existence, actual conversations with her being exceptionally rare. In every instance, she was predominantly silent or the only one speaking.
As this information spread throughout the people, there became an issue where they couldn't reconcile the two versions being the same. They acted too differently, they held too many similarities and too many contradictory traits. Between the High Priestess of the Clan as well as the Hierophant, they decided a matter of faith between themselves that is not advertised to the rest of the clan.
Both Azu's are the same body, but not the same mind.
Historical Basis
Various accounts of Azu showing this odd propensity are widely publicized throughout the Continent. In a personal account of a worshipper of Azu having met with his Goddess, he wrote of is conversation with her with overlooking the Port City of Ombre De Forte. He witnessed this self conversation, and took note of it in Beauty and Ravens. Which was added to the Soroity's Archives.
While in contrast, the MIstwalker's usual interactions with Azu are exemplified with Neaves Emberwing run-in with her while she visited The Aquaregia. Where this was less of a conversation and more of a guided lesson on Neaves part.
In these two examples both worshippers met the "same" goddess. Whereas one was seemingly relaxed and tranquil in setting, the other was a lesson to be learned. While faith is as much interpretation as it is belief, the Mistwalkers are particularly torn on this matter.
Spread
Imperial Scholar's Thoughts
Now, what isn't known to any of the 'gods' is this; this was intentional. During the Skirmish between the States of Huron and the Valley of Mists, there were numerous opportunities taken. To sow the seeds of doubt into the MIstwalkers was an entirely intended effect. Though much is left unknown even to the offending party.
What I mean here is that the Children of Syn know perfectly well what the MIstwalkers are. They know more than well that they are one in the same, only separated by time and space. When Anlyth, First Son of Syn had first learned of the Mistwalkers through the The Sightless as they watched over the growing conflict for The Elsewhere, he was furious.
What little information the Elsewhere had to go off of, they finally knew what had happened to the Children that were left behind during the Creation of the Elsewhere. Though in a much later time, he voiced his fury with the Queen of the Fae, at the time of learning of the Mistwalkers, he had set into motion a plan.
Some context, however, The Children of Syn still believed that Syn was gone, dead. They had no knowledge of this dual nature of Azu, though they very much recognized her the moment the Sightless described her to them. Azu is one of the Eight Shadows that brought down the Reign of the Quartet. Hense, the fury Anlyth felt as seeing his distant relatives worshipping her as a god. The orders made, the actions taken.
The Riders were instructed to plant information in the retreating military of Huron for the Mistwalkers to find. Information that would shake their faith, while at the time, this was done more to damage Azu and her control over the Shadow Touched Children that are the Mistwalkers. A grand conspiracy, meant to diswade the Clan of the Wide Eyes from believing in their goddess.
Overtime, his plan began to work. The Shrine Guard being a prominent player in this disbelief, Neaves Emberwing being the most outspoken about her growing distaste in their way of life demanded by their 'goddess'. More and more, the Clan found themselves seeking more and more answers from their Heirophant and Priestess about Who Azu is.
Unknown to both the Mistwalkers and The Elsewhere, there was an actual answer. Not until Neaves found Ilgor of the Skullbrood Clan while she fled from her homeland, did new information become apparent. Neaves was chosen as a Champion much in the same way Ilgor was. Azu appeared before Neaves and told her the truth.
Show spoiler
Though it must be stated; Azu is a being of two in a body of one. Azu and Syn are one in the same, Neaves was spoken to by Syn under the submission of Azu, and tasked with bringing her people to safety from the coming war between the Caliphate and The Federation. To abandon the Valley of Mists for safer ground.
In Art
Date of First Recording
Year 921
Date of Setting
Current Era, direct date unknown
Telling / Prose
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Oh I like this one
I'm glad you like it! This one is... lore dense. I hope I was able to make it understandable though