Though the situation was grim, progress was being made. The Celestines
were able to break the trance of some of the archangel, a process made
more efficient with the forging of divine artifact by the God Ayridion
and Goddess Terentia. Also, Glomdoring, Serenwilde and Magnagora began
creating globes of astral matter that were able to destabilize the
Spires of Light. Serenwilde, who had been vigilant in dispatching the
archangels and soldiers, was able to finally destroy the Spire of Light
that was draining their precious Mother Moonhart Tree.

At that time, as the tide began turning against Shellma Natharian, the
Dread Lord of Contagion unveiled himself. He had not been seen since he
vanished years ago when he was defeated by the Basin of Life. Apparently
making good on his promise that the "dead shall rise and rule the
living", it was he who brought Shellma back from the dead, masterminded
a plague that entranced the archangels, and gave Shellma the ability to
raise the Spires of Light. Now, the Dread Lord of Contagion was furious
that one of the spires had fallen and the others were well on their way.
In response, Shellma demanded he give her further aide. As they argued
it became clear, that the Dread Lord wanted the power from nexuses of
Glomdoring, Serenwilde and Magnagora. In return, he would give Shellma
an artifact called the Crown of Stars wherein she could control the Pool
of Stars and ascend as a Vernal Goddess.

In order to protect the central spire, Shellma let loose her entire army
of soldiers. Assisting her, the Dread Lord transformed the soldiers into
hulking warriors of pestilence. The remaining archangels under her
control descended down to the central spire, which continued the process
of draining the nexuses of Glomdoring and Magnagora (Serenwilde now
being immune since they had destroyed the smaller spire linking the
Moonhart Mother Tree). The warriors of pestilence released the dreaded
plague that had accompanied the Dread Lord during his last appearance.

The people of the Basin of Life battled mightily against these
overwhelming forces. When it became clear that the Dread Lord would
lose, he repudiated Shellma Natharian for her failure. However, Shellma
was not to be denied and she attacked the Dread Lord, stealing the Crown
of Stars during their battle. The Dread Lord cursed Shellma and vowed to
return again.

Shellma Natharian, once High Priestess of the Celestines and now an
undead abomination, held the mysterious artifact known as the Crown of
Stars. This enabled her to enter the Pool of Stars and begin the process
of becoming a Vernal Goddess. The Holy Supernals were unable to touch
her while she was within the Pool of Stars itself surrounded by its
power. It was up to the people of New Celest battle and attempt to
defeat her before the process was complete. Glomdoring and Serenwilde
also joined in the battle realizing the danger. Many lives were given to
bring her down and much power was drained from the Pool of Stars, but
eventually she was defeated, shattering into a thousand shards.

And so ends the tragic tale of Shellma Natharian.


Penned by My hand on the 23rd of Estar, in the year 188 CE.