Yruhaj and Elysium

JULY 14TH, 4200 9:52 AM ELYSIUM ISHTAR TERRA, VENUS

Yruhaj walked through the courtyards of Elysium, his people’s capital. He held his blade over his shoulder, looking about the gardens. He had found solitude in staring at the stoneworks and bricks of the temple, sometimes stopping to admire the craftsmanship.

The Reverans had always been known for their somewhat primitive architecture; their great temple’s center resembled the ancient pyramids of Earth, specifically those of the Mayans.

The temple-city, based on Venus, had used much of the local stone in its creation; a monument to the tenacity of the Reverans. Their willingness to thrive in such awful conditions had got them this far, why would it stop them now?

The city itself was a massive ziggurat with the temple, also called Elysium, standing at the city’s peak; a shining beacon of civilization in a hostile land. It served as a haven for all Reverans from the winds that scar the earth and air that melts the land itself.

Yruhaj had known its walls as his home for many years now. He had once been a peon in the lower tiers of the city, but he had fought his way in the Trials of Zeresh, and now he stood at the zenith of Elysium, in the Inheritor’s Tier.

He knew Urzen was busy meeting with the UN, and so he knew his day was mostly free. Luxuries like this were uncommon, and Yruhaj intended to make the most of it.

He walked through the ash gardens, known for being one of the few places holding Reveran Mushrooms, barring the planet itself. He’d look up at the statue of Geyr, Second Immortal, fighting the Gardener.

Yruhaj admired Geyr, despite his treachery. Geyr gave himself purpose; he did not have it thrust upon him, he took it upon himself. Noble, yet misguided.

He sat on a nearby bench, placing his sword at his side.

He took joy in the fact that the stars were not visible in the sky; it gave a feeling of isolation that was unparalleled. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes.

After a ten minute period had passed, he heard footsteps approaching him. He opened his eyes to see Zhofien, his fellow Executor.

“Zhofien, I thought you were with Urzen?” asked Yruhaj, somewhat confused.

“Nay, he saw it fit to go alone. I see you’ve been enjoying yourself,” Zhofien looked at the statue momentarily, before looking back at Yruhaj.

“I would not have gone looking for you if it had not been important,” said Zhofien, placing his own blade on the ground.

“Then speak, friend. What is it?” asked Yruhaj, grabbing his blade. He’d stand up, slinging it back over his shoulderpad.

Zhofien looked in all directions, before whispering, “A member of the Cult of Dying Suns has infiltrated the Descendants.”

Yruhaj’s eyes would glow brighter for a moment, “This is no jest, I trust?”

“Regretfully, it is not…” Zhofien would pull out a small vial containing Epilogus spores, “This was found in the Descendants library. Someone had to have gotten into Elysium, then into the Descendant Temple without being caught- alternatively, we may have a defector.”

“This is… Troublesome. Should we alert Urzen?” asked Yruhaj, wary of the future.

“No. He is too bold- I am ashamed to admit that he will blow our cover. We are on our own for now.” says Zhofien with sorrow, “I shall go investigate the Descendant Temple, I suggest you check the Inheritor’s Temple.” said Yruhaj, looking off towards the eastern side of Elysium proper, the temple itself.

Zhofien nodded, and the two briskly walked away from each other, having separate destinations in mind.