In the Astral Sea time was little more than a vague concept, more of a guideline than a rule, and the vast cosmic swirling of magic flowed and ebbed on some unseen, seemingly, chaotic undercurrent. It was less a physical location than it was a spiritual concept that underpinned the physical realities contained within it.
An endless tapestry of coalescing energies, glowing faintly in the infinite expanse like the pinpricks of distant stars formed the backdrop of this enigmatic place. Each speck of light was representative of something greater than it seemed to be.
"Lurion," a voice echoed. Well, calling it a voice wasn't quite accurate. It was more correct to say that it was an expression of intent to communicate information.
"Keeper of Humankind, I seek an audience with you." The voice continued.
Lurion, so it had been called, focused its attention on its visitor. "Va`ness`elatril. To what do I owe the honor? It is not often the Primordial Dragon deigns to grace me with its presence."
Lurion gave the impression of a whimsical and jovial father figure, which stood in stark contrast to the imposing, strict, and motherly impression that Va`ness`elatril gave.
"I wish to make a bargain with you. A trade."
Lurion could be felt giving off a sense of curiosity and interest. "A trade? My interest is piqued. What could possibly be of value to you among my humble children?"
"A human soul. One in specific, which I have already found." Va`ness`elatril explained, leaving vague as to which one.
Lurion pondered for a time before responding. "Why? What does one human soul matter to one such as you?" His reply imparted his confusion as to her request.
Va`ness`elatril replied as her attention seemed to turn far away for a moment; plumbing the depths of space and time itself. "This one is special... Unique in its potential and the way it interacts with Fate's influences. Because of this, I desire it."
"I see..." Lurion responded, his thoughts trailing for a moment as he contemplated. "And what do you offer in exchange for one of my children?"
"Something only I can provide you with," Va`ness`elatril responded with absolute confidence. "I will ensure that the scales of Fate remain tipped in benefit of your beloved humans for an Age. Any prosperity they achieve will be slightly increased and any tragedy they encounter will be slightly less severe for a period of 2,148.5 of their years."
Lurion could be felt to be displeased. Not with the offer, but with his inability to counter such a bargain. Va`ness`elatril knew very well that Lurion would be unable to refuse, or even challenge such a trade. "Ever the strategist, Va`ness`elatril. You knew before ever appearing before me that I would accept such an offer... However, I want to know why this human soul is worth such a price." He said, almost demanding and his suspicion of her motives evident.
"Every being, no matter how large or small, plays a role in the cosmic dance of reality. This soul is..." She paused for a moment, considering carefully her reply. "pivotal. It stands at the center of a nexus of possibility. If left unguided by my hand, it would go to waste."
What could be interpreted as a sigh of exasperation could be felt from Lurion. "You play a dangerous game, Va`ness`elatril, and you play against an opponent that cannot be beaten. I would advise you to tread with caution, but I believe we both know my words would go unheeded."
Lurion pondered for a moment longer before speaking again. "Very well. I accept your bargain. Remember, however, that even you cannot foresee all of the ripples that this will cause."
The amusement present within Va`ness`elatril was clearly evident, though she did not contradict him directly.
"I have two conditions, however. You may not pluck this soul from its current mortal form. You must wait for its current life to end. Then, and only then, will I allow you to pluck this soul from its current universe. Neither will I allow you to attempt to harm it. Bargain or not, it is still my child and I still care for its wellbeing." Lurion expressed sternly, allowing for no disagreement on these points.
"Agreed. I shall not harm it, nor shall I pluck it from its current mortal coil. I shall await the day that it passes from its current life and the soul begins its journey back into the Astral Sea." She agreed with a bit too much ease. Lurion had expected a bit more of a challenge on his condition of making her wait. However, it was too late for him to become trepidacious.
As they both came into agreement, what felt like tendrils of their respective wills convalesced together to solidify their bargain. As it did solidify, a ripple gently spread out throughout the Astral Sea as if the reality itself had borne witness to their pact.
The relative scale of the power that these two beings possessed was simply irrelevant to mortals. So vast and incomprehensible was their true nature that mortals could no more imagine it than the rock could imagine the concepts of math.
To them, however, their scale relative to each other formed a carefully balanced interplay between them. Each one was always taking care not to weaken themselves in relation to any of the others.
So, when Va`ness`elatril reached out and began subtly shifting the threads of fate for the entirety of the human race, his children, to uphold her end of the bargain and spent the power necessary to change their fates for an entire age... Well, he was stunned to find that not only was she still an existence that dwarfed him, he couldn't even tell if it had affected her at all.
Just how long had she taken to convalesce in the Astral Sea before her existence solidified into something with a will of its own? Just how grand was her existence that such a feat was little more than a triviality for her?
Even Lurion, who stood among the Primordials himself, had difficulty understanding it. A realization that sent a shiver through his very being.
Even though Va`ness`elatril could feel his trepidation directed at her, she gave no hints that she had noticed. Lurion's unease made no difference to her. She had accomplished what she had set out to do here and simply waited. Watching a tiny little blue and green planet, situated within an infantile universe adrift in the Astral Sea. It was one of many, even within its own universe, let alone the countless others.
By all accounts, there was nothing special about this world. It didn't even possess magic. That, by itself, wasn't uncommon. Less common than those that did, but still unremarkable. For her, only that one soul held meaning. Yet, that was enough for that planet to draw her attention, at least for the fleeting moment that soul still remained there.
As Lurion's presence faded, seemingly washed away in the cosmic backdrop of the Astral Sea, she watched diligently and pondered.
"Soon, you will be at the center of everything I have been setting in motion. Soon, Atlas." She whispered in anticipation.