Alius

## DEPICTION

Alius came to be from the wishes of the creatures that lived in the dark. He is often portrayed as a young man with olive skin, brown eyes, and a crown of curls that falls just above his eyes. He is often clothed in a tunic that is tucked to his waist and falls to his knees.

## HISTORY

The creatures wanted nothing more than to see each other's faces, wanting to interact with each other in the light, and from this great and collective wish Alius was born.

He burst into being, burning Dhemerus, who he had no idea existed. For nearly a month he remained in the sky, banishing the great watcher to its furthest corners as the beings rejoiced in being able to see each other for the first time. By the time a full moon cycle had passed, Alius had understood that he was not the only being in the sky, and once Dhemerus began to grow close, he was finally able to see The One Who Watches. Once Dhemerus was close enough for the two to speak, Alius was the first to do so, offering a kind word and apology. The two spent the never-ending daylight Alius provided sharing stories and talking, and soon enough Alius found himself smitten with Dhemerus. He tried his best to hide his feelings throughout the evolution of their relationship, and when Dhemerus confessed, he burned brighter than he knew he could.

This event caught the eye of Pothos, whose realm had begun to die. They came to Alius, pleading for him to fix the damage, but he did not know how. When the gods brought him and Dhemerus before them, it was suggested that they share the sky, separately, rotating the land, giving it a day and night. This would allow the plants and animals time to rest and recoup from the light, while still allowing them to live in the day. Alius and Dhemerus were opposed to this, and when they expressed that, the gods gave them an ultimatum; go willingly and the gods would allow them to still meet occasionally, or go by force and be unable to see each other again.

Alius wanted to fight the terms, but after watching his lover submit to them, he agreed. He trusted Dhemerus’ judgment and the two were given a moment to speak before their separation. It was said that the sun dimmed that day, and it is unknown what was said between the two, but it is agreed that Alius gifted Dhemerus a journal, so they could write to each other while they were apart. Alius was the first made to leave, setting over the edge of the world, taking one last look at Dhemerus before he stepped out of sight. This caused the sky to turn shades of pink and orange that we see in the sunset, and thus is said to be the last gift of love from the day to the night.

They see each other during new moons but aren’t allowed to interact much. They swap journals during this time and their departure is solemn, but Alius watches as Dhemerus’ heart fills enough to keep him going. They embrace during eclipses before Dhemerus begins their dance over again.

During the first eclipse, Pothos gifted them a child, Ydon.

Historical depictions show them reaching for each other across the sky, and their temples are often either combined or quite near each other. In recent years their story has been widely told, reaching lovers across the world, and their temples and blessings for weddings are widely sought.

## SYMBOLS

- Insignia of the sun

- Hand-fasting ties

- Birds of Prey

- The colors yellow and Orange

*Written by the research department of The Drinthis Institute of Magics.*