I had decided to stay in the city for a while longer and continued watching the progress of the elves as well as to remain vigilant towards the heretics. My uneasy feelings had not yet dissipated after a few more weeks in the Box of Dimensions.
I was reminded from Cyrus that the heretics believe in a different interpretation of the creation of the world and their role in it. They believe that they were created by the Great Tree, and that it is a divine entity. They believe that the Great Tree is the true creator and that I am just a puppet, an instrument of its will.
Their beliefs were heretical, and they were dangerous. They were a minority, but they were growing and gaining more influence within the court and among the nobles.
"This certainly is troublesome," I told Cyrus. We were at the dinner table in his home. Cyrus' home was rather big and magnificent. It was truly a home fit for a king. The sun had begun to rise. "I can't get this bad feeling out of my gut."
"Lord Thomas, you worry too much," Cyrus said. "The heretics are not a threat. They are just a group of misguided individuals. Their beliefs are wrong, and their interpretations are not true. I don't believe that you, the Creator, would be a puppet of a tree. The Creator is the Creator. You have revealed yourself to us, and have blessed us with your power and wisdom."
"You may be right, but I can't shake this feeling off. Well no matter, I'll toss it aside for right now you are probably right."
"Thank you, my lord. Would you care for a sip of wine?"
"Sure, why not," I replied.
Cyrus poured me a glass of wine. I took a sip, and it was delicious. It was rich and flavorful, and it had a hint of berries.
"This is wonderful wine, Cyrus," I said.
"Thank you, my lord," Cyrus replied.
Cyrus was a gracious host, and he was a true friend. I felt that my feelings of loneliness and isolation were beginning to dissipate. The elves had been a great source of comfort and joy for me, and they had brought meaning to my life.
As we sat and talked, the sun had finally risen and the day began. We went outside and saw the city bustling with activity. I continued living a rather mundane life among the elves. There was nothing else I could do except be with them and observe. The elves had made great strides and were a civilization that could be compared to ancient Rome.
The city was truly magnificent. It was a mixture of stone and wood, and it was a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the elves. The architecture was a combination of Romanesque and Gothic. The buildings were grand and majestic, and the city was truly a wonder to behold.
There were fountains and statues of me and Cyrus throughout the city, and the streets were paved with marble. The technology was primitive, but the elves had developed a form of plumbing and were able to create a rudimentary sewage system.
The elves were able to create beautiful gardens and parks, and they were able to grow a vast array of fruits and vegetables. They were able to create a form of agriculture, and they were able to grow wheat and barley. Gone were the stone age dwellings and crude tools. The elves had evolved, and they were a civilized people.
The magic had helped to advance their civilization far beyond the stone age and they were able to use it to manipulate the world around them. They were able to create structures, and they were able to harness the power of nature.
Taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city, I couldn't help but smile and feel proud. I sat down in one such park and called out to Benny.
"Benny, how long has time passed on Earth? I assume not much has passed."
"You are correct, Thomas. It has only been a few hours."
"Well, the elves have progressed so quickly, I'm amazed."
"I am too. You did a great job creating the world, and the elves are thriving."
"I guess so, but there is a sense of dread still looming over my head. These heretics, I don't know how to deal with them."
"Well, I'm not sure. Maybe you can create a church, a holy religion based on your teachings."
"Maybe, but I want to take it slow. I'll watch and see how things play out. If they are a problem, I will intervene. For now, I'll enjoy this beautiful city."
"I agree, Thomas. It is a beautiful city. The elves have done a marvelous job, and they are a credit to your creation."
"Thank you, Benny. I appreciate the compliment."
I got up from the bench I was sitting on and set to wander the city once more. There were many sights to see, and I wanted to experience all of them. I went to the market, and I saw a vast array of goods and products. The elves had been able to create a rudimentary form of currency, and they had been able to develop a form of capitalism. The city was prosperous, and there was a sense of wealth and abundance.
The elves were able to produce a wide variety of goods and products, and the market was a bustle of activity.
As I was taking in the sights, I noticed many elves kneel before me and viewed me with reverence and awe. This had become normal, and I had grown used to it. I knew that the elves were a respectful and humble people, and they had a deep reverence for me, their Creator. I found it slightly curious that they would pray to me and while I could not hear their prayers, perhaps I could create a system that would allow me to hear and even answer their prayers and requests? I was growing more accustomed to my role as a god.
"Benny, this idea for an answer to prayer. What do you think?"
"Thomas, I think it is an excellent idea. The elves would benefit from it, and you would be able to guide them and help them when they need it."
"Would my head be able to take the influx of thousands of prayers though?"
"Probably, but you might get a headache. You should probably create an intermediary or an angel that can hear the more common or less urgent prayers and act on your behalf. This angel could also relay the more important or urgent prayers to you. It would be wise to use it as a medium of sorts."
"Hmm, yes. That would be a better idea. Thanks, Benny. Let's go back to the temple and begin working on this new plan."
"Sure thing, Thomas."