The Emperor and Empress {DONE}

Since the Fall of the Heavens, the calendar used by the Trel had become the standard unit of measuring time. This allowed for a sense of unity between kingdoms and ideologies that had been in opposition for hundreds of years, and played into the pride of the Trel. Only the nobles of Trel were permitted to use the proper names for each month, regulating the rest of the world to use the standard names, those used by the peasantry. For example, what the nobles would call Worðn, named after a great historical figure, the rest of the world would call the Month of the Ox. While both praise the tenacity of those born under that sign, the Trel know why.

However, two months remain the same for nobles and barbarians alike. The Month of the Emperor, and the Month of the Empress are two short, two-week months that end the current year, and usher in the new.

Summary

She banished the ever-darkness. He gathered the dimming fragments of light. Two transcended this world, rising as the very Heavens plummeted around them.

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The Empress, called by a thousand names, was adorned in the pitch-black Armor of Midnight. She rode atop a mighty steed, thrice cursed, fire blowing from its mouth. Through the skies, she ascended, shattering Daemons with each swing of her spear. With a mighty thrust, her spear met the darkness, piercing through the realms of gods and mortals with a burst of magnificent light. When darkness returned, she was gone, cleansing the Heavens with fire and blade.

The Emperor, the statesman and scholar, did not ascend as quickly. Instead, he walked the face of Xùyì, biding his time and gathering followers. The Emperor spent years, healing the distraught, and binding the Outsiders to the will of the people. Only when he had fully understood why the Heavens fell, and the Trel were established, did he begin his ascent. Handing the Mantras of Heaven, and the Scrolls of Divinity into the hands of his worldly successor, did he pass betwixt the mortal realms and the Heavens.

Once a year, the Emperor returns to his people, entreating with the Emperor who stands as his stead, and judges the state of Trel.

Spread

This tale is familiar among the Trel, though the popularity of the stories plummet the farther someone is from the Capital. Every culture has their own myths, and histories concerning how they were affected by the Falling Heavens, none of which are acknowledged by this myth. While those close to the Imperial City treat this event as historical truth, taught in their schools, and with shrines built in their honor, the story is only mentioned a few times a year in more rural areas. It appears in plays and puppet shows, especially during festivities, and it oftentimes will include mentions of their neighbors, and their heroes as side characters.

For adults, the focus of these stories revolve around the sacrifices made, and the distance between the lovers, both sworn in duty for a greater cause. There is common ground between these stories and the realities of many within the Trel, who have lost loved ones in the ever present struggle against the Outsiders. When the stories are told at night, when the children are gone, there is far more emphasis put into the costumes worn, and the references to the major historical figures which aided the Emperor in those bleak days. During they day, however, they are portrayed as larger-than-life characters for the entertainment of the children. Acrobatics leap through the streets, followed by excited children who can 'experience the ascension' first hand.

The first month of the year is dedicated to the Emperor's sacrifice. Two weeks of celebration, gift-giving, feasting, dancing, and merrymaking follow the bitter winters. The people greet the world, filled with newness and wonder, ushering good fortune among friends. People are prone to make vows, swearing to new personal heights and unachievable goals. Blood is spilled a the revelries reach their peak, hedonistic driven slurs filling the mouths of the Trel as knives plunge into the weak. Monsters walk among men, drunk on the cruelty and wanton desires. Men bargain with these creatures, losing themselves in their arrogance. Then, as quickly as the Emperor left this world, silence follows. The monsters return to the void, along those who they've claimed in the mortal world.

Leading up to this moment is the month dedicated to the Empress, where the people sit in silent self-reflection. Two weeks are spent purging the filth they've accumulated during the previous year and denouncing bad habits. Any wrong-doing must be righted, amends making so good luck will follow them throughout the new year.