Naa'ôna

The Naa'ôna are luminous guardians, spirit-guides, and divine envoys who dwell in the radiant sanctums known as the Cities in the Stars. Born after the True First War and the great migration of the Free Spirits to It'slémwé, the Naa'ôna were the second spirits to enter Yedistren, choosing to bind themselves to the Universal Law of Life and Death.

They are mortal, but untouched by time, ageless by proximity to the Stars, from which they emerged and which they now guard.

Origin and Nature

The Naa'ôna are of the Elesèa Tribe, the same spiritual ancestry as the Sherok. Though they bear physical bodies, they do not walk—they glide and fly, graceful and incorporeal in motion.

Their appearance is striking:

• Skin in shimmering hues of Silver (Skin Color), Gold (Skin Color), Copper (Skin Color), Platinum (Skin Color), Cobalt (Skin Color), or Gun Metal (Skin Color)
• Metallic hair in matching tones
• Clothing forged from lightwoven metals
• Eyes glowing pure white
• A bright internal flame in their chest—their Celestial Flame (Lethurèa), visible even through armor

They are serene, nurturing, gentle, and pure. They emanate divine calm and reverent compassion, second only to the love of the Mother and Father.

Function and Duties

The Naa'ôna serve several sacred purposes:

• Guides of spirits from Yedistren to It’slémwé
• Deliverers of the Elements of It'slémwé to mortals within sacred circles
• Gatekeepers of the Stars, ensuring no spirit leaves It'slémwé unlawfully
• Protectors of star-refuges for the innocent during cosmic crises
• Witnesses and facilitators during divine births and ascensions

They follow the Law of Non-Obstruction, interfering rarely and only under divine sanction.

Cities in the Stars

Their golden citadels are not of metal, but of condensed woven light, shaped into crystalline towers, bridges, and observatories. Every building holds a view of It’slémwé, and their cities are often orbiting or nested within the Stars themselves.

During the Zekarin Rebellion and the High Valorèin Rebellion, the Naa'ôna provided sanctuary for the righteous and the repentant. The High Valorèin who chose not to serve Malismorai fled to the stars. Those of the Shemèin who later became Zekarin sought refuge from the Malisik and purification from their darkness. These cities are considered sacred grounds by many Free Species.

Reproduction and Rare Offspring

Though they are immortal, the Naa'ôna can reproduce like all Free Species, via mammalian reproduction. However, they rarely do. Partners may choose to engage in Sacred Intimacy sacred intimacy, but offspring are exceedingly rare. A child born of two Naa'ôna will glow visibly through the mother’s womb within days.

Fall from Grace — The Golgarok

Rarely, a Naa'ôna may abandon the Stars, walk away from light, and seek out Gozog’nok. These fallen become Golgarok, corrupted prophets of Malis, who twist their former duties and speak to the Malisik as emissaries of darkness.

Though terrifying, they are rare and precious to Malismorai. One such Golgarok was slain by the Chosen Hero and Heroine during a climactic battle.

Castes and Names

While all Naa'ôna are treated equally, they follow a system of duty:

• Historians
• Guardians
• Spirit Guides
• Maternal Guides

Their names, like Kelbaan Debûr or Selaana Elûvèan, are public-facing. Their true Spirit-Names are sacred—shared only with their soul-bound partner.

Prophecy and Judgment Day

During the Final Judgment, the Naa'ôna will guide redeemed Malisik to the Throne of the Mother and Father for final judgment. Those found worthy will ascend. The rest shall return to Gozog’nok eternally.

Cultural Memory and Reverence

In the modern age, the Naa'ôna have faded from popular culture. Once revered in early art as Star Beings or Star People, their image survives in ancient carvings, temple friezes, and children's lullabies sung beneath the stars.