Longing Domain/History

The Longing Domain is sustained by the people who are inspired by Nephis and whose sparks of longing she can perceive within her Soul Sea. These sparks appear as billions of flames shining in the darkness, and they provide both a generous flow of spirit essence and the immeasurable weight that her Domain lends to her Will. The Domain is also tied to Citadels such as Ivory Tower, Bastion, and Ravenheart, which exist within her Soul Sea and contribute to its structure and strength.^[1]

As the Longing Domain comes undone, one Citadel after another surrendering to Asterion, Nephis loses followers, resulting in a diminished flow of spirit essence and a weakening of her Will. The loss is reflected internally, as the Citadels vanish from her Soul Sea and the sparks of longing from her people disappear, leaving only darkness with barely any sparks left to illuminate it. Although the people are not dead, Nephis can no longer feel their longing, as their light is lost to her.^[1]

Despite this, a few sparks remain. Cassie, Effie, Kai, and Jet are still present within her perception, and Nephis can sense that they are alive. She can also feel that some are in a lot of pain, and that they are longing to be delivered from the torment, indicating that while most of the connection sustaining the Domain has been severed, a small remnant of it persists through these individuals.^[1]

The Domain's collapse is further emphasized when Nephis states that the Longing Domain is as good as fallen, with humanity now ruled by the Dreamspawn and the King of Nothing. However, the loss of the Domain is due to an external influence, as the people are under a mind hex, which has severed their connection to her.^[1]

Before entering the Fifth Nightmare, Nephis has to give up the Longing Domain to make room for the other Supremes to establish their own Domains. She is also unlikely to be able to assist her subjects from within the Nightmare, making it pointless for her to retain control of the Domain. Regardless of the outcome of the Fifth Nightmare, the Longing Domain would eventually disappear. If Nephis died, there would be no Changing Star to govern it. If she succeeded, she would become a Spirit through Apotheosis and would no longer be a Sovereign. Spirits exist on a plane above Supremes and do not govern Domains in the same way.^[2]

Sunny and Nephis do not know exactly what will happen to their Domains after Apotheosis. They know that a deity is meant to be one with their source element rather than simply controlling a construct created from it. They may still be able to influence what were once their Domains, but the nature of that influence will change.^[2]

The loss of the Longing Domain would also remove the benefits it provides to humanity. Its miraculous flames would no longer heal wounds or save lives, and its radiance would no longer strengthen people. Those who had become accustomed to Nephis's protection would lose her direct support.^[2]

The remaining Supremes have different strengths and limitations when establishing Domains. Some do not need the Nightmare Spell, while others benefit from controlling Citadels. Jet, for example, has no use for ruling a Citadel. These differences are taken into account when deciding how to divide the Longing Domain and preserve as much of humanity's strength as possible.^[2]

The tentative plan divides the remaining Sovereigns between the Dream Realm and the waking world. Jet, Kai, and Effie are assigned to defend Earth and oversee the resettlement of humanity. Effie's Soul Garden is particularly useful for accelerating the evacuation.^[2]

The remaining four defend the Dream Realm. Ananke remains in Silver Web and oversees the Stormsea. Seishan claims Ravenheart and the Citadel Cities in the River of Tears basin. Morgan claims Bastion and the former Sword Domain. Nightwalker takes control of the Night Garden and turns it into a wandering stronghold that keeps the different parts of the Human Domain connected.^[2]

As a result, the Longing Domain is divided among multiple Supreme protectors rather than remaining under Nephis. The Human Domain becomes a coalition of smaller Domains, with each area governed and protected by different Supremes.^[2]