The Promise.

Part 1
The Promise

Obcaeco broke the rich burgundy wax seal upon the letter. The messenger that delivered it was already gone, stepping through a dimensional door mere feet from her.

Despite her amazing visual acuity, she didn't recognise this particular shade. As she held the fine parchment unfolded in her hand, her other hand went reflexively to her swelling belly. She had barely started to show. Her pregnancy, now three months through had been a bittersweet time.

Correspondence from her beloved was few and far between. Each letter did bring more hope about a possible chance for her Virgil to return.

She cast her eyes upon the beautiful handwriting.

Obcaeco. 

I hope this letter finds you and the children well. 
I believe I have found a way to return to the material plane. Not permanently, I'm afraid, but potentially for a half a calendar year. 

As my power grows and I intend to use it to maintain the balance. A balance that my bindings can be logically bent to. A 'loop hole' of sorts.

Molly believes that she has found a solution and I have enacted the process she has laid out. 
I will do all I can to protect our children as I protect the people of the realm. They will have the growing protection of Neifion. 

Although I am changed, perhaps for the worse, I still cling onto the memories and experiences we shared. 

I will hopefully see you soon. But not likely before the birth of the children. 

I have dispatched a letter to my mother and father explaining the situation as best as could be done. 
Expect correspondence and support from them.

Know that I will watch over you as much as I can. 


Virgil. 

Obcaeco's heart ached as she finished reading, then almost on queue, she was filled with a warmth that came from her belly and extended out to her extremities.

Love. It was pure love.

She smiled and whispered.
"My loves. Your father is coming. You will know him."



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Part 2
The Solution.

The spectral forge-master worked tirelessly at the Netherese device known as The Soul Forge.

A large green emerald lay upon the forge and with each strike of the spectral hammer, energy from captured spirits was driven into it.

Neifion watched on as the swirling spirits amassed above the forge were drawn into the gem. With each strike and each new infusion made the gem grow almost imperceptibly in size.

This gem, Neifion had learned was called The Verdant Prison. It was the tangible source of his power. And Molly had found a way to utilise the Soul Forge to enhance Neifion's presence.

A deities power was normally grown through belief and worship, she had found a third way.
Combined with Neifion's efforts to expand his forces, from seven shades to seven lieutenants, each one with a charge of three apprentices. A new mandate to openly challenge those who would strive to tilt the balance of power in their favour had also increased his popularity with the masses. Those oppressed by corrupt nobles now prayed for intervention directly to Neifion.

As were the rules, belief converts directly to power.

The growing of The Verdant Prison would, in theory, allow him to exist upon the mortal plane in a weakened state for a longer duration. Almost like a remote power source while he wasn't directly connected to his Fay realm.

There was danger to attempting this. He would be mortal. He would be somewhat vulnerable, although he would still have the majority of his power at his fingertips.

It was all a risk he was prepared to take to see his family again. To be a part of their lives.
The souls that were used to fuel this process once belonged to those that were simply dubbed "The Inharmonious".

Their souls were brought here and confined to the The Verdant Prison. Their greed and chaos would fuel the power to balance the realms.

Neifion watched on, his eyes of green flame burning brighter with every spectral hammer blow.