The lines of battle drawn between old friends and the nature of Dreaming
became clear.

One warm spring, a servant of Lady Omei carried a message for the
Underking. The message was simple: "It is no longer in My interests to
continue the Arrangement."

The ancient origins of the feud between the Muse and the Dreamer are
familiar to few but historians and priests, yet it is known that the
Arrangement came not long after. Lady Omei had constructed Her garden of
dreams, populated by the figments and fragments of mortal Passions.
Then, as now, She took all mortal souls to Her garden as they slept, and
regardless of to Whom they had dedicated their worship, the Dreamer
claimed sovereignty in sleep. Though dreaming has often been called a
blessing by mystics and oracles, it has historically been seen as a
trespass - an abduction.

One who believed thus was the Underking. Posessive of His Children, the
Underking has long stated that none shall pollute those who bear His
gift of Undeath. As the Dreamer contributed to the First Union of souls
and has been one of the very few siblings He has ever acknowledged,
their differing intentions brought on great dissent. In the past, Lady
Omei claimed "charitable generosity" and exempted the most beloved
followers of the Underking from visits to Her garden. This was called by
Omeiian priests, in Ages past, the Arrangement.

Then around year 180 MA, such was no longer the case. Priests of Omei
stated She merely wished to bestow Her blessings on all mortals without
exemption. Priests of Dhaivol argued it was an act of aggression on
their very souls and a manifest of greed on behalf of His Sister. It
took some years but eventually the Dreamer succeeded in "extending the
tunnels of sleep". The first undead to dream were truly beloved of Lord
Dhaivol: Moot Saer'ac and Azrael Llewellyn met in the dream-garden
briefly, filled with memories of emotion they had not felt since they
had lived.

When they woke, the war began. Shrines fell among the cries of their
defenders. Master of Souls, Povox and Desian were foremost of the undead
weapons against the priests of Dream, including Lua Runae, Resiak
Heroun, and Yos Deridian. Loyalties were determined, and the Dreamer was
weakened greatly in the violence. However, an alliance was being created
between Lady Omei and Lady Auresae and warriors of Light were stirring.

In darkness, the undead struck. The Underking's Voice, Azrael, conjured
a sand storm that trapped Marennin within, leaving him but little choice
to succumb to his crude end. His desperate screams brought on those
serving Auresae but their efforts could not undo the grasp of death. The
taint of the Underking left only an hourglass where Marennin once stood.

The prophet Orechnai emerged from his quarters confused and alone. At
the news of Marennin's death he entered deep shock and instead came to
believe that Aren Ryokus was his beloved nephew. The prophet was
convinced to take refuge in the Dreamer's temple in Ashtan, but remained
doubtful of his nephew's demise.

In 190 MA, a savvy priestess from the Arurer Haven was called by visions
to Orechnai's side. However, it is unlikely that any shall ever take
Marennin's place in the hearts of those he called his friends.

Penned by my hand on the 21st of Niuran, in the year 191 MA.