Chapter 2 - Tu`il

All turned to the task at hand. Silence reigned in the the massive workshop where the Glorious Twelve stood. After a few moments of indescribable quiet, Shutan took a step toward the Forge. 

He reached in and pulled out a steaming lump of Divine Metal, and handed it to Fildor, another Fire Helper. 

He began to mold it with his calloused hands, quickly forming a basically human shape. He nodded to Tyren, an Earth Helper, who stepped forward. 

Tyren knelt to the feet. His rough hands shaped the feet, making them sturdy yet graceful. He stood with a grunt and molded the hands; delicate, yet durable. He then turned and nodded to Ramil. 

He shaped the calves, giving them a beautiful curve. He also ran his hands down the forearms, perfecting the rough metal's shape. He then slowly turned and slapped Zortun, the Chief of the Earth helpers. 

Zortun took a step back and deliberated. He then stepped up to the statue and quickly ran his hands up and down the thighs and upper arms, leaving them perfect. He quickly formed the strong chest, tapering abdominals, and thick pectorals. Nodding, he returned to his place in the circle. 

Raiton and his brothers, Yulik and Narcoi, stepped forward. Ears and a thin mouth quickly formed under the swift hands of the Water Helpers. Raiton's incantation drew hair out of the head and added nails to the delicate fingers and strong toes.

Beruyl, Icarilius, and Porakin stood around the statue, chanting. Beruyl's hands formed the nose, making it a perfect cartilaginous structure. The two others made the lungs, perfect conveners of precious oxygen to the blood.

Lastly, the two remaining Fire Helpers walked up. Shutan motioned Vira`il forward. The clever hands of the latter drew eyes out of the face. Vira`il smiled, then nodded to Shutan. 

The gigantic red bearded Fire Helper walked up to the Forge again, but this time, he put a piece of Living Steel on the Flame. In moments, it was melted to the consistency of thick cream. He held it up above the statue until it formed a brain and a heart, the latter starting to pump immediately. 

He carefully brought his hands down, cradling the two precious objects. The top of the head disappeared like swift flowing water as Shutan placed the brain in its spot. As his hand moved away, the head closed once more.

He then carefully placed the heart in the chest cavity, next to the lungs. He again removed his hand and stepped back. 

Nothing happened. 

Shutan's fiery eyes narrowed. Just as he was about to recite another incantation, Craos' voice rolled through the room. 

"Leave it." Shutan backed away from the statue; allowing Craos to walk around it. 

After a moment of deliberation, Craos said, "Well done, servants. It needs but one thing." He reached into his robe and brought out an Orb of Life. He placed it on the forehead, from whence it dissolved into the metal.

For a moment, all was still, then a spark appeared from where the Orb had dissolved. It spread until the entire being glowed with a pure white radiance. After about thirty seconds, the eyes opened. 

They glowed white. He seemed confused as he looked up at the massive figures all around him. Then, he saw Craos, standing before him. A smile spread across his face as the First Man knelt at his feet. Craos raised him up and looked him in the eyes. lcome to the Universe, First Man. We will name you Tu`il."