((I’m sure those of you knowledgeable in Chinese mythology will recognise the inspiration for this story. I’ve set it as Virtori because a Neran is telling the tale but everything can easily be adapted to other religions by changing who sets the race.

It's a bit crap but I enjoyed writing it))

“Now where were we. Oh yes, when the world was young before both mann and beast had spread across Elyria the Virtues set a competition among the noblest of the beasts to see which would be worthy of leading a Celestial House and guiding the fates of mannkind. After many trials, only twelve remained. Can you remember who they were?

Yes, there were Domino Fox, Dryas Elk, Pheonix, Wildcat, Trison, Conifer Rat, Otterbear, Pteroguin, Canis Rabit, Leffit, Flowercup Porcupine and Ursaphant. All worthy of ruling a Celestial House but the Vices had circulated amongst them and they grew to bicker, who would lead what House, who should have precedence over whom and other such discord.

Asiduuryn wisest of the Virtues decreed therefore that there was to be a final trial, a simple race between two towns divided by the Blue River. Waiting at the finish line the Virtues asked each of the contestants what they had done to achieve their position.

Otterbear finished first, he told the virtues that water was where he lived, and thus crossing the blue river was no issue. As his reward for coming first, Otterbear was given the House of Domain, the richest of the Celestial Houses.

Dryas Elk arrived second, he told the virtues that he sat and watched the ebb and flow of the river and found a safe place to cross. Impressed with his use of science the Virtues granted Dryas Elk the House of Knowledge.

Shortly thereafter Flowercup Porcupine arrived panting. She explained that she had been running and hiding from Canis Rabbit and had only escaped by using her natural disguises. The Virtues granted her the House of Consciousness.

Canis Rabbit was the next to arrive, gnashing his teeth and furious that his prey had escaped him. He vowed angrily to pursue Flowercup Porcupine till he caught her earning himself the House of Pursuit from the Virtues.

Next Ursaphant, Leffit, Conifer Rat and Domino Fox all arrived at the same time. They explained that they had stopped at the side of the river and were all looking for ways to cross when Leffit suggested that they all work together. After they all agreed, Domino Fox suggested that they build a raft. As she was designing the raft Conifer Rat gathered his family to him, since they lived nearby and had them gather all the materials they would need, and help build the raft. Ursaphant than used his peerless strength to pull the raft across the river. The Virtues thought hard about these four. They had worked together and finished at the same time, but still, precedence needed to be declared and Houses assigned. Ursaphant they declared as having come fifth since he had done the hard work and gave him the House of Toil. To Leffit who had organised the group, they gave sixth place and elevated her to rulership of the House of Connections. Conifer Rat whose family had built the raft was awarded seventh place and the House of Family. Domino Fox, who designed the raft was given the House of Wisdom and eighth place.

Pteroguin finally arrived in ninth place. The Virtues were confused that she had arrived so late, surely a flying creature should beat even Otterbear whose domain was the water. Pteroguin declared that she had enjoyed being so high above all the other creatures that she had wished to stay aloft longer. The Virtues granted her the House of Status.

Trison plodded into tenth place. He explained that he had been waylaid as he had passed by the village where he had grown up. It was harvest time and his strength and endurance were needed to bring in the crops. The Virtues smiled and gave him the House of Community.

Wildcat arrived next, shivering and half-drowned. She had refused to help the raft builders and had instead slept. When Trison came through he had woke her so Wildcat had snuck onto his back hiding in his thick mane, unfortunately, she had fallen off halfway across the river and nearly died. Luckily Phoenix had been reading a book nearby and had dove into the water to help, saving Wildcat at the cost of his own life. Disappointed the Virtues gave Wildcat the House of Self and rushed to the banks of the river to see if they could save Phoenix.

Breathing a second life into the firebird’s corpse the Virtues carried Phoenix into twelfth place, granting him the House of the Arcane on the condition that he never reveals what he had seen upon his death.

And that my child is how the Celestial Houses were ordered in the sky and how the Great Race was run. Now go to sleep, you have to be apprenticed in the morning.”