In that far district of merry Theron, which is watered by many a thin streams, there extended a wide and peaceful lake, whose shores had been adorned by the local villagers with countless shrines, so many have been the gods and goddesses that were accounted for the flourishing harvests over the past three centuries.

Harvest, the largest of the villages on the Southern shores, used to be famous for one festival. Farmers would flock from the entire region for just that single day. Each would carry one mask of their favorite animal and wear it throughout the day, from dawn, when the drums announced the ceremonial procession, followed by orgiastic dances, until sunset, when another roll of drums would signal the devotees that the shrine of the God of Plenty had been opened. The God of Plenty, high and safe in his distant world, watched, drinking of the nectar of the Gods, and laughed at his unexpected luck, where the heroic actions of others had brought him the reaping prayers of simple folks.

All across Theron, covering large part of the beautiful hills, valleys and up to the mountain passes in the horizon where no soul dared venture, many a battle had been once fought, desperate and harsh, and many a great hands had fallen, cut by the stern steel. But to the present day, no one remembered any of it. Lost tales hidden in forgotten books. Some old hags, perhaps to impress, and perhaps to satisfy their needs, shouted of it in the streets, that the beast may return, lest everyone finds the rightful goddess, the long forgotten one.

Here in Theron, albeit more to the North, also flourished those packs of gallant outlaws, which the time imposed to call bands of venture, and whose deeds, sold to the better buyer, had already changed the destiny of one too many skirmishes. They galloped across the land, aiding at times, and more often raiding, stripping the land of its fruits and maidens of their flesh.

Half a mile away from Harvest, Anela glided across the wicks barely covered in a turquoise tunic, fastened at the hips by a dark belt and a shiny brass buckle. She lightly pulled a young boy across the field. Her hand arched and the tip of her fingers toying with his palm, enticing the prey in the illusion of being the predator.

Quickly, her feet shifted with confidence between patches of grass, bending now, to avoid the branch, and swiftly lifting the edge of the tunic to avoid the clasp of blackberry bushes. She halted for a moment and turned her head to her mesmerizer suitor.

The lake had already filled half of the horizon when she rapidly caressed her raven hair, from above the ear, to the nape where a crimson stripe had been carefully tied in a large bow. It took but a light touch and the red ribbon spread its arms like a tardive summer rose and in the light breeze. Her hair flowed down her shoulders in rich waves, loaded with lavender and brightflower.

Twice she turned her eyes to the young boy, who could barely discern two emeralds hidden under the golden mask. All he could see was but the witty smirk of a fox, the pointy wooden ears, the leather nose and the soft silver lines at the edge, right above the woman’s lips.

Oh merry Harvest! Anela could scarcely convince herself that in the filth of the unrefined countryside of Theron such lovely jewels were bred, with shoulders wide and tiny round buttocks.

She knelt and pressed her lips on the boy's forehead. Her hands ran to his hips and seized the white cape he had been wearing, by then soiled with the dirt from the path.

-Madam, this ain't the right place!- cried the lamb and covering his bare torso turned his head away, towards the village.

-It is. It is.- insisted Anela -Come, let lady Fox show you her hidden shrine.-

She pressed lightly against the wooden door. She had barely paid any attention to the surroundings. Secluded. That was all mattered. A quite dark place, with nobody to interrupt her rituals.

-I thought you wanted to make Lady Fox happy.- she invited the little brat to follow, but he stood still, trembling almost.

-Nay! That’s the ol’ house of the witch. She’ll rip your heart out, and drink your blood!- he almost cried.

Anela’s hands arched and gnawed into the wood, and her voice thundered under the edge of the mask. -Now you listen to me, unfettering son of peasants! I have paid your mother three shields to have you ravage my buttocks away from the smell and lurid filth of your stupid village! We spent one piece on that soap to have you nice and clean, and twenty squares for this mask that you like so much. Move inside, little pest, and do what I tell you to!- she roared, but the lamb turned in a hare and before she could utter another word, he was already out of her sight. Of him, only the white cape remained, entangled in the thorns of bluberries.

With a loud sigh Anela entered the shrine. Alone. She removed the mask and placed it on a broken column, and advanced, gloomy and frustrated, plump with desires, and swollen still with unfinished expectations.

-Shrine of the Goddess of my arse!- she uttered. -If you are listening, I wish you’d come down here and finish the business that I paid for! Or at least send someone... but not another of these filthy villagers. Ah! Have I had enough of these!-

She would have insisted, but the sight of the Goddess’ statue turned all her words into misty memories. There stood the monument of perfection, a gift of rotundities unprecedented. The true feast of harvest, the celebration of animal breeding, the rebirth of nature. Before Anela could get a hold of herself, she was already exploring all folds of the statues cloths and the perfection of the surface of what should have been her bare skin.

-Oh, how I wish you’d give me powers to do your bidding, in exchange of just a moment with you.- she whispered, biting her lips. She detached herself from the sculpture and cleared her throat in a croaking sigh, donning the lower curves of the statue a healthy slap with the open palm of her hand. -What!- she barked, raising her nose -Haven’t you ever desired a woman before?-

All across the fields the sound of merry laughter flooded out from the town of Harvest, the joy of the festival spreading across the wide open plains as groups broke out from the town centre to spread their boisterous celebrations to more secluded spots. All day had the spirits of the town flourished in the festival, and now that many had their inhibitions clouded with the drinking of vast quantities of wine did the common girl make her movements. Years back, when the girl was far younger and naive she had been apprehensive about the ruckus of the festival but now, after so long of practices her routine she played the part she wanted perfectly.

Rising before the rays of light stretched too far across the land she had began to work on crafting the required image for herself, taking the opportunity to dress her form with expensive cosmetics she saved for such an occasion. Her common clothes were replaced with a lavish emerald tunic that flowed down into a dress that just brushed just above her knees enticingly.Her brown and red hair flowed freely as it swung either side of a raven mask coloured white, the combination giving her a strange and different appearance compared to what most would be wearing.

Then had come the long day in which she had picked out her marks, finding suitable prey amongst the mass of crowds and catching their attention, slowly luring them away from the large crowds to her intended destination where she would have her fun. Twice already she had played her trick and now with the fading light as the sun prepared for its rest, this third time would likely be the last for this festival.

By now the raven her and prey had already slipped out from the confinements of the town, gliding into the surrounding fields and forest where they each had their own idea of fun. Dancing ahead, ducking between the trees, Kali’s laughter carried across the branches, the soft sound guiding her prey to continue the chase. Already had they shared moments of passion, a deep meeting of the lips as hands explored the surface of each others bodies, the warm of each other driving the cold air of the night away. Enticed by both the recent sensations of her body and the sound of laughter, onwards her prey dashed, undaunted by their surroundings.

“Come now, how far must you run?” The young man in the wolf mask called out, his tone humorous but also carrying the hint of frustration, no doubt becoming eager for the prize he so hungrily sought. Stepping from behind a tree, Kali spread her hands, revealing the shape of her body as she replied “Oh just a little further, somewhere we won’t be disturbed all night long…” before adding in a more teasing tone “...unless of course the wolf that is hunting me catches me first, then I’d be completely at his mercy!” she finished with a mock cry of distress, before vanishing behind the tree again, the young man hesitating only for a moment as dreams of the long night played out in his mind, driving him forward to continue the chase.

Deeper into the undergrowth the chase continued, the wolf’s actions becoming faster as the raven seemed to draw nearer. As they drew closer to her intended destination she allowed her hunter to draw closer, letting her image consume more of his vision and occupy his mind so he did not realise the location until she deemed it time, her laughter increasing as he drew ever closer, beckoning him to claim his prize. Reaching out, his hand brushed against the fabric of her clothing once, then twice as she gave a joyous cry of surprise before finally he managed to firmly grasp her clothing. Knowing that he could damage her costume if she tried to pull away head on, she instead allowed herself to be pull close, the wolf grabbing her by her shoulders firmly in embrace as the two fell to the ground.

Grinning from beneath the mask she looked up at the young man, her hand reaching up to pull at his sides playful “Mmhmm, it appears I have been caught” she whispered in an eager tone. The wolf, though tired from their play-time, eagerly drifted his eyes across her form as his face took on a hungry look “Indeed you have, and now this wolf shall have his way with you”. Kali could not help but give another laugh of enjoyment as her hands reached at his belt, beginning to unbuckle it “Oh, I can only imagine what lustful acts you’ll perform in front of my shrine”. The wolf continued to smile for a moment but caught himself on her last few words. Finally breaking his gaze from her form, he looked up and took in his current position, face turning white as he spotted the shrine.

Grinning at the reaction, Kali could barely contain her humour at how superstitious so many of the villagers of this shrine were, but maintaining her imagine, with his weakened grasp one of her hands reached up around his back and pulled him down close to her as her other continued working at his belt “Come now my little Wolf, did you not want to send a night with a Witch? I promise it shall be the best night of your life” she whispered into his ear adding a hint of anger to the final words as if to drive home the danger. Reeling back, the young wolf reached down and grabbed her Raven mask, tearing it off as if seeking to confirm his fears. Beneath the mask, Kali’s face lay marked with white and black powders, taking inspirations from the stories of the witch that circulated the town she seemed to be a spitting image.

Unable to keep his calm, the young man let out an unbecoming shriek of terror as he pushed Kali to the ground, running off into the forest as his mind was consumed with the single purpose of fleeing, ignorant to his current state. Sitting up, Kali listened for a few moments until the sounds of his expeditious retreat became but a distant sound of the night before allowing herself to break composure. At first she let out a few giggles at the foolishness of his reaction, but it quickly gave way to a full fit of laughter. The sheer look of terror on his face had been such a sight to behold! “And he didn’t even realise!” she said to herself in between the laughs as she raised his coin purse in front of her eyes, her hand having deftly cut it loose from his belt.

Wiping a tear from her eye, she glanced at the Raven mask that had been so carelessly thrown to the side, a frown creeping upon her face as she noticed its edges had become crumpled. Sighing she gently picked up the mask as she examined the damage “A wolf mask was entirely unfitting for a brute like that, should have been a wild boar” she muttered, glad that this was her last catch of the night as it would take some work to repair the mask. Turning her gaze back to the shrine she could not help but smile, considering herself fortunate to have once braved the walls of this building. For so long she too had been terrified of the tales of this strange and abandoned structure, but that night she had snuck inside to hide away, it seemed as though everything in her life had improved just a bit.

Fondly recalling the memories, her mind drifted to the most important detail of the building, that single statue that dominated the main room. While Kali had seen statues dedicated to the Gods before, when her eyes had first fell upon the statue within this decrepit building she felt as though she was truly gazing upon the image of a goddess. The way the stone had been shaped seemed to have details that should have been impossible to capture and yet there it was, in defiance of what she assumed to be the truth. So captivated by the statue, Kali could not help but begin to travel to the shrine more often and soon enough she even found herself doing small meager offerings for the Goddess. Surely a creature a beautiful as the one depicted in this temple deserved even the smallest of offers, surely even the most forgotten of God’s deserved even the most simple of followers?

Reaching down she checked to make sure the pouch she had attached to her belt had not been lost in the thrill of the hunt before, it was but a small harvest offering but Kali felt compelled in a way she could not explain. Moving towards the door she paused and frowned, noting that the door was open. She was always certain to close the door, simply out of habit at this point, and glancing inside the rapidly fading light allowed her to gleam the outline of an object on one of the broken columns inside. ‘Does that mean there is another person inside?’ Kali quickly wondered, her mind racing with possibilities of who else would come to such a secluded place, surely none of the villagers given the rumours that surrounded the shrine.

Curious, Kali quietly crept up to the door of the shrine and stepped inside, figuring that if anyone would be here they would no doubt be at the the image of the Goddess. Unsure of what to expect, even Kali was surprised as she stepped upon the image of a woman whose actions most certainly seemed to indicate that she was caressing the statue and...given the brief snippet of the conversation she had overhead was eager to have a very different kind of harvest with the Goddess, a far more physical but nonetheless joyous and passionate one. Still, as odd as the sight was, it was still somewhat intriguing and she found herself compelled to announce her presence “I might have, though I can confess it is not often I have desired a stone statue of a woman before” she answered the woman's question in a bemused but accusing tone, judging her for the strange act of fondling a stone woman’s image

_Theme

I hear them over and over, the curses, the dread, the fear in my name. Cecilia the Devouring One they call me, mistaking me for that Beast. I've heard them for so long that it's but a breath away to ignore them, pretend they are the background noise to this sea of nothingness. Don't I deserve this though? Am I not the one in her self-righteousness, her arrogance, feeling as if I were invincible just because I was a god, that was the reason for all of this? I could've seen it, but instead I let my nativity get the best of me and doomed my people to fall. How stupid...

I go over my mistake again and again, trying to find a way that I could've fixed it or avoided and there are hundreds of ways - but it doesn't matter. I am forgotten, lost in the void of all forgotten deities. I cannot die, but I no longer hold any power.. only the capacity to think, to ponder, to wallow in my guilt. Why didn't the others spread my heroic tale? Did they not see? Are they all really that greedy? Was there not one noble god among them?

... w-wait. I.. this.. I haven't felt this in ages. Someone is praying - to me? That isn't enough, but.. someone actually gives me offerings?

---

Just as Anela turned to scoff at the newcomer, there was a sudden burst of wind that rushed through the shrine, forcing the door to creek and bang against the outside. Leaves and dust swirled around the two in a dance that could only be described as calming and soothing, the air becoming heavy with the scent of a fresh rainstorm, despite the sky's protest that there were no clouds. If it were magic, neither of them could feel it's energies - no, this was something different, other-worldly in nature, but inspiring in it's own way. Slowly, the dust, the leaves, and wind died down until the shrine was quiet once more.

However the play did not stop there. The scent of rain water still cloaked the shrine as the light started to dim into almost pitch blackness, then without warning, the light became so bright as to becoming blinding - though it did not blind. As the white flash drifted away, both women were presented with a scene that was familiar yet vastly different. The solid stone floor almost shined, free of dirt or grime, the chairs that had previously been broken and rotted were repaired once more, tables placed upright as if brand new, giving off the feel that the shrine had only been just built moments ago. The cloths hanging seemed clean and soft and candles were lit, giving off a gentle warmth, making one question how this could ever be the shrine of someone so evil.

Most importantly however, they both realized something. They were not alone. In the middle of the room stood a woman, clad in a mixture of cloth and silver chainmail, holding a runic blade in her hands. In many ways, this made her appear as a soldier, but upon closer inspection even the cloths had a unique elegance to them from an age gone by. The layers were folded to flatter her form and yet the chain mesh provided protection and mobility in ways that spoke to a skilled swordsman, but even the armor had a pleasant shine to it. Beyond this though, it was obvious that there was an almost otherworldly glow about her that was less seen and more so felt, radiating an aura of fierce compassion. It was then that they both noticed her staring right at them.

"The one who prayed to me.." The woman paused, but her voice was filled with a subtle yet musical echo. "I did not imagine the first request being that of a bed." Causally, but with what seemed like the strength of a dozen giants, she thrust the tip of her blade into the stone floor, sealing it in place. She then leaned on her hip, gently placing her palm against it, studying the two in a few moments of silence. "Regardless of why - I am thankful. No one has prayed for centuries.."

Her eyes then met Kali's own for a moment and Cecilia smiled softly. "Nor has anyone given me offerings in those times." The goddess looked down at her hand, flexing her fingers into a fist and then back to an open palm. ".. however, you may be disappointed." Her eyes wandered back up to the pair, her smile having faded. "I am the patron of noble warriors - not a love goddess." At that, she simply went silent, allowing the mortals to respond to her, lowering her free hand to sit at her side as she watched them with an unusual intensity, her piercing green eyes never leaving them.

As if awakening from a dream, Anela shook her head at the sudden transformation of the abandoned shrine. It took but the time of a blink of the eye, and there she was, standing in a temple of virtue with her swollen desires. Did she just harass the local devotee? The confusing sense that reality could have been different from appearances left Anela silent for a moment.

She straightened her back, and closed her lips in a long flat and thin line. Her hair still flowed rather indecorously on her shoulders, and her dress felt a bit too airy for the occasion. All the riches of the shrine seemed unfamiliar to her eyes, and the perfect decorations, barely swayed by the sudden gush of air that had her close her eyes: she could not recall any of them.

Above all, she gazed at the perfect amazon talking to her. That amazon which she had taken for merely a sculpture, was no less than a human being, made of flesh and bones. A superb human being. One of such a terrifying beauty, that words of compliments turned to fear, and desires turned to the morbid attraction of horror. Oh she was beautiful, so much beautiful to eclipse the existence of yet another woman barely two arms away. Her attire, so poor in contrast to the noble look of her eyes and the dignity of her temples, made her shine even more, and by the time Anela paid attention to the third woman, her heart had given a burst of joy, and stopped.

That was what a human could be, closest to the incarnation of a Goddess. A Goddess of fiery love, perhaps, or a Goddess of harsh passions, clad in armor, and bearing a sword. Or nothing of that. Just a harlot perhaps, one gifted with an unearthly beauty by nature, and playing some articulate game to entice rich clients. A playful twist, indeed, very unexpected of such a forgotten place like Harvest. Anela forced herself the believe the latter, he struggled in her heart to accept the easiest explanation of reality, that the fabric of the Universe may not be altered as easily by a lustful desire. Let it be a well disguised brothel, she thought, one where they use complex artifices to create all sorts of illusions.

But the look of the Goddess was too strong, and her power too large to ignore. Her beauty too perfect, her symmetry too unnatural. Which hand could frame such body? Which flute could play such tones? Anela found herself trembling lightly, and her knees stiff and sore from the effort of keeping them straight.

"So you say. Prove it." she said, finally.

It had all happened in but a heartbeat, one moment Kali had been leaning against a column, bemused smile half cloaked by the shadows cast from the remaining structure of the shrine as she teased the stranger next to the statue of the Goddess. And then, in the next the entire world had changed before the lady had a chance to respond. The world seem to whip into a frenzy all around the shrine, pleasant scents of nature drifting from sources unseen, driving back the old dank and musky smell of moss and aged wood long since left to rot. Even as Kali drew in a breath of surprise, the gentle scent of fresh rain seeping through each inch of her form - every muscle in her body seeming to relax, the darkness from the corners of the shrine seemed to grow and cover her vision.

And yet, even as all sight faded from the room, Kali could not find it within her to panic. Though she could not understand the nature of these changes, the atmosphere held no aggression and even this darkness seemed more like a comforting blanket then a hostile force. Not daring to utter a sound, lest she break the magic of this moment, the darkness was flung back from her vision, as though one had just lifted the curtain to a play. If her mouth had not been agape before, Kali certainly became dumbstruck at the sight that now lay before her.

No more was this a decrepit shrine, abandoned to face the ravages of nature and time. Kali’s eyes darted around rapidly attempting to take in the sight before her. As stunning as the transformation of the shrine was, even it’s beauty and elegance paled in comparison to the true figure of the goddess that stood before them. Kali could feel a lump grow in her throat, her voice caught and unable to make a sound as she stared at what could only be described as the true definition of beauty. The entire frame of the Goddess seemed to radiate to Kali’s eyes, blanking out the rest of the room and leaving her only that single entity to gaze upon, the rest of the room, nay, the rest of the world not existing for that brief moment her eyes were blessed enough to capture that image.

Her eyes moved on their own accord, tracing the curves and edges of the figure, Kali’s face beginning to flush as her mind began to wander to strange thoughts brought on by the conversation she had overheard earlier suddenly feeling her comment could have been ill-advised, who was she to judge craving such a form as the one before her when her own body betrayed her own intentions. Lost in her own thoughts, the voice of the Goddess’s words seemed to gently drift through her scattered mind with its musical melody, guiding her mind back to the reality at hand. Each of her words were like the sweet whispers of an Angel, it was both such a sweet sound to listen to but commanded power and authority, keeping Kali from drifting into none to appropriate thoughts as she hung onto every word.

Still captivated, Kali listened with bated breath as the Goddess gave hints of her plight, the thought of such a figure being left abandoned by all of her followers pulled at Kali’s heartstrings. And then the Goddess’s gaze drifted over to Kali, Kali’s own hazel eyes meeting those piercing emerald pools of the Goddess’s. It was but a simple gesture, and yet Kali felt as though her entire body and soul was laid bare to the Goddess, the way she smiled as her gaze held her own made her entire body feel as though it was melting, a warm spreading through to every corner of her form in the most pleasant ways possible! It was just a look and yet the intensity of her eyes were overpowering, Kali feeling as though she may burn up on the spot. Thankfully the Goddess eyes drifted down to her hands, Kali turning to her head to the side quickly as she felt her entire face burn, no doubt she was blushing enough to be noticed even through the white make-up she had used earlier.

Her eyes yearned to drift back to that visage of perfection, but Kali did not trust herself with such an action just yet. She wished to listen and pay attention to the musical voice of this godly figure. After the Goddess had spoken and Anela had directed her question, Kali gently shook her head, finally able to find her voice she found her voice on the verge of trembling from such unsavoury desires “How could we be disappointed? And how could you question her divinity” She asked, taking a shaky breath to calm her nerves “Just to be in your presence feels like a blessing, a…” Kali paused as she struggled to form the words in her mind ”Unearthly gift that I can barely comprehend. And don’t pretend you can’t feel it as well” She directed at the other woman in the room. Though Anela was composing herself far better than Kali was in the presence of this Divine being, it was apparent to all it was still having an effect

Cecilia raised a slight eyebrow at the exchange, watching them acutely, seeing how shaky they seemed. It was a rare she would come down to the material plane as a goddess, so she hadn't much experience on how mortals saw her, though she often still saw herself as at least partly mortal. Since she had been ascended, she still had human emotions, which she felt were different than those born deities. However it was surprising to see the pair so.. enamored by her presence already. Even more so, it seemed they both preferred the fairer of the genders. 'Strange...' she thought, but in her short time as a god, she had learned not all coincidences were pure luck. As Kali called Adela out on her bluff, Cecilia lightly crossed her arms, giving the shrine a moment of silence.

"Hm.." Even the small thoughtful sound echoed with the gentle melody of a sweet violin. Lowering her arms to her side, she appeared next to Kali within a breath, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Do not fault her. You cannot blame her skepticism.. after all, how often have you met a goddess?" she questioned with a smirk. "Even when I was mortal, I did not meet Caitlyn but twice - the Goddess of Justice." Letting her hand fall, she took a few steps towards Adelan and offered an understanding smile. "So proof you shall have."

In a blink, she had appeared next to one of the wooden chairs and placed a hand on it. Slowly, as if for effect, the oak wood started to change into a blue wood with a silver shine to it. After it had transformed, it was obvious that the wood was from a rare magical tree called a Silverwood, in which the transformation started to infect the rest of the oak as well. It was well known in the lands that even the most powerful of mages had to use words or gestures (and in the case of journeyman and below, both) to cast magic, but Cecilia had done so without either and so effortless. "I always had an eye for this wood.." she said with a soft coo to her tone. Then turning to the pair, she waved her hand and smiled. "Also, always enjoyed this style of dress.. it looks nice, don't you agree?" Cecilia wasn't normally one to show off, so even in her tone she sounded humble, but Adela did ask for proof. They both realized that they were dressed in a different out than before.

The goddess then gestured to one of the, now Silverwood, tables where two sets of clothes sat. ".. just in case you wish to keep the outfits from before. I won't hold it against you if you don't share my taste. It's been hundreds of years and so these are from when I was still in power." She leaned on her hip again, folding her arms in a content smile, admiring their outfits and how good they looked - though she wasn't exactly enamored like they were, she still appreciated beauty when it presented itself. She used to be so shy though, maybe becoming a goddess had really changed her.

Anela’s words spurred a rather unflattering chiding from the other woman, who so little had made to impress that the act seemed almost studied and concerted to make her look inferior in looks and manners to the maitresse of the house. All the opulence of the setting, and the brightness of lights, and even the selected entrance, loaded with drama: Anela contended in her heart that she had truly discovered a brothel of the highest class, one where magic serves the purpose to astonish all senses.

As if chanting with a voice that was a choir of children, the mistress, self-proclaimed Goddess of the nobles - and Anela was just that, a noble - did begin to speak in the noblewoman’s defense. To such words, Anela crossed her arms and turned to the other girl. Her look, with the nostrils showing from under the nose, and her chin protruding, was a monument to pride. He foot tapping lightly on the polished marble of the floor. See, she thought, that is exactly what I meant.

Oh the magician! Not quite the highly sought maker of high fashion, neither a taylor talented with the finest of hands, but nonetheless a connoisseur of the art of teasing and enticing. Admiring the crafty art of revealing seemingly expensive furniture from what looked like ordinary oak crafts, the child that had once been Anela felt that innocent excitement returning, just as strong as when she first held a lark in her hand, and felt its heart beat through the feathers tight against her skin.

Right then, as she gloated in triumph and waited to be presented with the prices for ever more intriguing personal favors that the house could offer, such as Anela had become accustomed to in the capital, she felt like an invisible hand quickly trespassing beyond her desires, or rather the warm trimming of a razor blade, glowing all over her body. She squeaked, and her arms, a moment earlier crossed on her chest, now stretched in the air.

It was but the glance of a moment, for suddenly Anela had found herself tightly clad in a dress, the likes of which she had never seen before. Her breasts pressed like two grapefruits by a stiff bust, and her legs half bare, from the knee down, in a show of straight shins and silky skin. Her arms too, showing, almost to the shoulder, displaying lean muscles, and cured elbows, clean of the callous part that affects most peasants.

There was a change in the girl too, that insolent thing at whom she had been staring earlier. A rather substantial change in her look, as if the grunting peasant had been replaced with a dancer of toned muscles, and elegant fabric. This girl had lovely proportioned feet, with but a blue vein rising, and twisting around the ankle, and then almost disappearing in the calf. Her arms too, well rounded, tight and dry, with square shoulders, and a light color. And her lips too, and her eyes, all seemed new, and deep with colors.

Anela approached the silverwood furniture, she caressed the top with her bare palm, and she followed the line of the chairs. A few thousands of shields could perhaps buy one such, if any skilled woodworker could be found to imitate such curves, and to select the right wood. Her hand finally reached the clothes she had been wearing at the festival. She took the belt with the bronze buckle, and tied it to her waist, she pressed the mask aside and then let the tunic slide on the floor, where she kicked it away from her feet.

“Crafty.” said Anela at last, containing her breath within the armor of fabric that clung to her, she turned to glance at the other girl, and returned her eyes to the shiny female “And wicked. You had my attention, now you have my curiosity. Speak then, what is up for the show?”

She moved the chair, and pleased her bottom to accommodate on it. She turned again to the other girl, and lifting one finger in the air, she whispered behind the thin line of smirk “Just for your information, dear, I have seen hundreds of such shows. Always keep your mind keen, before you find you had to pay to hear your own voice. Question. Question. Question. And bring respect to those above your rank, in case you see one.” and concluded with a waving of hands, brief, but very theatrical.

Within moments of her comment at the other woman, Kali found her eyes drifted back to the Goddess, her presence almost commanding the attention. It was similar to the sensation Kali had noticed with Nobility, but on a level that simply dwarfed any previous experiences she could relate to. Her gaze snapped to the movement as the Goddess changed her stance to consider the woman’s question, the thoughtful hum that emanated for her lips may as well have been the soft musical chorus of the most enchanting melody. Enthralled by the pleasant sound, Kali blinked for but a moment, before catching her breath with a start as the Goddess suddenly appeared by her side.

And it was in that next moment, as the Goddess stood by her side and laid her hand upon Kali’s shoulder. The gesture was so simple and yet, by nature of the company involved it seemed so grand. The very air around the Goddess had seem invigorating with Divine energy, and to have even been touched by her seemed to flood Kali with but a fragment of that same energy, invigorating her making her entire body seem to pulse with a warm energy for but a single heart beat. Yet even as this experience was confirmation enough for her our mind, the melody of the Goddess voice echoed in her ear, not chiding but offer sweet wisdom as though a teacher to a student. Suddenly feeling a touch foolish for jumping to conclusions so quickly, feeling as if the other woman’s confident and smug smile was rather fitting given her comments, she felt a tinge of heat in her cheeks, her body betraying her concession of her mistake.

As the Goddess stepped towards Adelan, taking the centre of both their attention once more, Kali took a shaky breath to calm her nerves. To be caught unawares but such a situation had no shame, but there was only so much protection against poor social etiquette such an excuse would purchase. Despite her lower stature in the hierarchy of the world, Kali had played the part to slip into the realm of nobility before, and had learnt the steps and dance of the social court. Though these events folding out before her were outside the realm of her experience, Kali suspected it would be a similar dance, simply on a grander scale. ’Just take the time to observe and reflect, don’t allow yourself to be so swept up in the spectacle’ she chided to herself

Yet it seemed as though the Goddess was intent on delivering the proof Anela had requested, and by proxy keep Kali’s mind wrapped in a layer of stunned amazement. With but a touch from the Goddess to the oak wood chair its entire nature began to change before Kali’s very eyes. Kali’s heart beating in excitement at the spectacle that was unfolding in front of her eyes. Having only seen magic at the yearly festivals it had always been a treat for her to behold, and yet it seemed the Goddess was putting on an even more amazing show. At the point of impact, a patch of blue burst from the brown woods of the oak as though dropped from a Canvas. And then like water, the color seemed to flow through the wood, weaving between the grains and defying gravity as it spread in all directions from the Goddess hand, leaving a streak of silver in the wake of its transformation. In but a brief moment, the Goddess changed what would have been a fine quality chair into what would no doubt be masterpiece fit for a Royal Palace.

Despite her words to calm herself, Kali’s head swum in wonder, her voice almost wanting to giggle while her hands wished to applaud in what would no doubt be a very inappropriate fashion. But as though sensing an encore was required, the Goddess’s actions continued as her words once more blessed the room with her voice, readying the two guests for the next act. The Goddess’s hands waved at the two guests, as though unleashing a dervish of unseen energy into their presence. The air around Kali seemed to buzz with activity, her skin tingling for a second as the cool air of the night slipped past her garments for a fraction of a second and then was repelled once more. Except in the place of the rough familiar feelings of her clothing there lay the soft sensation of finely crafted cloth, her mind flashing back to the moments she had gently glided her hands across those expensive fabrics travelling merchants offered, the same feeling gently slipping across her whole body.

Glancing at the noble woman, Kali’s eyes blinked in disbelief at the sight she saw as though questioning her own interpretation of reality. While the woman had worn fine and flattering clothing before, the garment that now donned her form could only have been drawn together and weaved around her very body given the perfection of its fit. The fabric traced the curves of her body in an impeccable manner, flattering the human form in ways that a master tailor would envy. Her noticeable cleavage was emphasised but in a most elegant way, drawing attention but still maintain the modesty of such a noble figure. Kali found her eyes drifted to the ends of the woman, the dark fabric seeming to flow into the woman’s smooth skin, revealing enough of the silky surface to entice the eyes to continue to look, the cut of cloths and silks stretching far enough down the limbs to keep the entire look in proportion.

As stunning as the image of the other Woman was, Kali could not help but drag her gaze back to her own form, recalling vividly that the Goddess had gestured at them both. And just as she had seen a stunning image of beauty while gazing at the other woman as her eyes drifted down across her own form so to did she see another display of refined elegance. Her old and dusty clothes had been replaced by a dress of the highest quality just like Anela’s had, and now feeling the clothing press comfortably around her form she could still feel the freedom of movement the elegant garment offered. Feeling an uncontrolled sprout of joy rise in from her heart, Kali could not help but let out a soft laugh of unbridled joy and amazement as she did a slow twirl on the spot, the giddy feeling of joy overwhelming her.

Thankfully, before Kali felt into jibbing mess of happiness, the Goddess soothing and melodic voice called her mind back to attention, Kali gently bringing her motion to a stop as her attention was directed to her old clothing. Following to lead of Anela, she too approached the table and examined her clothing. It indeed was her own, and while she had felt such excitement when she had brought it for this festival, it all seemed to pale in comparison to what currently adorned her body. Still, she had been brought up not to waste, and she gently maneuvered the folded outfit in front of one of the chairs, taking the moment to marvel at the Silverwood table up close, her hand drifting along it as she shifted the clothing as though confirming it truly existed.

Directing her attention to the Silverwood seat, Kali carefully positioned herself into its frame, admiring the handiwork of the Goddess as her body seem quite content with the prospect of continuing this evening from the confines of the chair. As Anela managed to find her voice and direct her question to the Goddess, so too did Kali speak up “Yes, not that I don’t find the elegant clothing you have provided us with to be of poor taste, but surely there is more to this encounter?”

Her attention was momentarily redirected towards the older woman as she offered some both her experience and advice on the matter at hand. Whatever feelings and assumptions Kali had made of her moments before were dismissed for the moment, it appeared her far more vibrant lifestyle placed her in a position of expertise regarding the current situation, either that of gave her far too much confidence. In either case, Kali gave a short nod of understanding much as a pupil listening to a teacher. For the moment it seemed Kali would play the understudy in this encounter as the rules of engagement, such as they were called, were set. She had played this role before, waiting for the appropriate moment to make a move, to step and dance in time with the social court of opinions, only this time the Court was that of a Goddess, and she imagined both her an Anela would desire to be in the best of graces.

The goddess smiled as she saw Kali hop in joy before watching Adela glide over to her chair, kicking away her original outfit as if it were unneeded now or perhaps even unwanted. It wasn't long before Adela spoke, out of disbelief, whispering wisdoms to Kali- whom followed suit. At first, Cecilia wasn't sure if she should be insulted or impressed, but upon a few moments she decided impressed was the better reaction of the two. "I see that you're becoming more used to my presence.. that's quick." Pursing her lips quietly, she glanced between the two and finally let out a sigh, offering a slight shrug. "No show.. no specific purpose.. simply put, you asked for proof, so I gave you what I could - without destroying my shrine. Besides, it looks better now.."

As if adorning a more causal demeanor, she pulled a chair next to one of the tables, almost as if to push it in. Instead, she hopped onto the seat, spun around and plopped her arse right onto the table like some common warrior at an inn. Without missing a beat, she propped her elbows on her knees, folded her hands and rested her chin on them. "So now you either believe or you do not.. and if you don't, I'll fade away into nothingness once more.. though.." She glanced at them, with a curious expression on her face. "No mortal mage can weave magic without words or gestures."

Cecilia sat in silence for a brief moment, tilting her head as her eyes gazed at the stone floor. "In truth, I'm not sure what to do. It is.. rare.. that a deity that was once forgotten, gets prayers to awaken them again. So I'm at a loss. Though I will say one thing for sure - and perhaps this will lose my tiny following.." She lifted her head and put folded her arms in her lap, looking right at Adela. "I'm not going to bed you. I don't know you. Besides, how often have you heard of a deity bedding a mortal?" she asked with an amused smirk. "I'd say that was certainly one of the boldest prayers I've ever heard." The smell of rain still penetrated the shrine, but the night was growing closer as the light from the sun started to fade, giving to the sounds of gentle crickets and the few occurrences of an owl. While some may have worried about seeing in the dark, somehow the shrine seemed to amplify the light from the moon, coating the inside of the building with a gentle glow.

Flooded by the words of the woman with the voice of angel’s choirs, Anela, in open contrast to her own words, tried to find a moment of solace in an innocent distraction. She closed her lids slightly, until her eyes became but two slits, and she even tilted herself forward, towards the figure of the Goddes, but her mind drifted away.

There was one tumultuous thought rumbling through Anela’s mind. A mindful fresco of her imagination, a wild steed with four crimson hoofs, beating the green pastures of her delight. In this idyllic picture there stood a fresh lake, made of perfectly still water, so still that not a wave moved, not even at the shore, where the silver line of liquid blended without interruption into a patch of grass, straight and soft, like certain hills, and steep, divided in two by a little gorge. Laying there, far from the hectic trifles of life, Anela crafted acrobatic entanglements with the beautiful lady Cecilia.

It was the work of a bright imagination, one which Anela had always prided herself of. And in her thoughts, the beautiful lady laid reclining on the patch of grass, her hand sliding from her chin along the neck and further, to the line of chainmail. Better. Anela imagined the lady without chainmail, covered instead in a rich silky fabric, of silver reflections, glowing like Cecilia’s skin glowed. Her hand turning, just before her bosom and returned towards the neck, along the jaw, up until the edge where it sharply turn to reach the ear. She moaned even, with a choir of angels as her voice, and reclined her head back arching her body.

Anela imagined sitting by the arched lady, caressing her shoulders, and pushing the tip of her fingers to climb Cecilia’s bosom, and gazing at the knees of the Goddess. Oh, she thought, I wish she were real! I wish she was just like this, with her beautiful silk fabric to cover her and her steel boots with the raised heel.

That’s when Anela opened her eyes again. She ejected her head forward, like a turtle sprinting out of her shell. Her eyes bulging as she finally noted that the magician, or Goddess, did wear indeed slanky war boots, clad in steel, encircled with mastery at the ankle, and with a sizable raised iron heel.

“Oh, by the heavens! Please be for real, I so want to believe in you.” whispered Anela, biting her lips.

If she had to play the part of the devotee, that would have been her Goddess: a shield-maiden that did not dress like a man. Let her be called the way she pleases, thought Anela, let her make all the fuss about her chastity, without which her prowess in battle begone; let her even amaze all of us with tricks unseen before. It was a fun game, to think of it, one which Anela felt more than inclined to play.

“Don’t go anywhere, please.” she said, and turned to the other girl gesturing her to voice their pleas together “Tell of your powers and of your battles. Firm standing the fact that for a pair of boots like yours, I’d too kill anybody on a battlefield.”

Kali watched the Goddess in eager and anxious anticipation, not only for the somewhat selfish pleasure of having the chance to hear more that wondrous melody that was her voice but also out of a genuine fascination of this whole encounter, wondering what the true purpose behind such extraordinary events might be. Shifting forward to the edge of the seat as the Goddess voice blessed the shrine once more, Kali’s face was plastered in awe and wonder. Younger and less experienced in the ‘passions’ of the world than the other potential devotee currently gathered in the shrine, Kali’s own thoughts were the less amorous of the two yet her desire burned just as strongly

In her mind, Kali could feel the strong feelings of passion pulsing for the thoughts of the Goddess. Yet her lack of experience in converting these desires of passion into a physical reality left these thoughts half complete, scattered images and fragments of sequences where she was able to bask in the radiant presence of Cecilia. Her mind recalled that brief moment of contact for before, where that divine spark of energy had flooded Kali’s frame upon the Goddesses gentle touch, the images in her mind reconstructed with this memory in mind. And then the scenes would begin to progress in the only way they could, the simple touch being replaced with a short caress of the shoulders, and then the short caress to extend into a longer more thorough one.

As the thought continued to evolve with Kali returning the favour to the Goddess, the clarity the dream began to fade. “Oh if only I knew how such matters should work, but then who would know the best way to physically be with a god?” Kali wondered to herself as she let out a soft wistful sigh. As her mind had sifted through these thoughts the world had not been still, Cecilia appeared to be a more casual mood as she managed, in a way only a Goddess could manage no doubt, to graceful take a seat on top of the table rather than the seat, having Kali and Anela look up to her as she continued to speak.

Kali felt a small pang of sorrow as Cecilia explained the true nature of the situation she was in, the romantic part of her finding the tale to so perfectly pluck at her heart-strings. To be such a divine entity, a figure truly deserving of worship and then to be forgotten and forced to fade into nothingness, a true tale of tragedy! Kali’s heart then stirring in warmth as the tale continued, the news that the acts of prayer and offerings had been enough to return the Goddess to this world away from the nothingness that had been her prison made Kali feel a strange surge of pride and happiness that her actions had caused such a momentous event.

With the revelation that Cecilia was uncertain of where to go from here, Kali agreed with Anela and threw her own pleas behind the support of the idea “Yes please don’t leave! I know it is probably beyond our station to ask but It would be wondrous to get to spend more time in your presence, listening to the tales of your past accomplishments and adversity that you overcame!“. Just for looking at Cecilia, Kali could not help but imagine the tales of the warrior princesses the bards would sometimes sing of, and she could only imagine that Cecilia would have tales that eclipsed even the most exciting story the bards could spin. Despite the sounds of the animals outside signalling the time of dusk as the day fully gave out to be replaced by the night, Kali could not find it in her to be concerned about the journey home or even of the time that had been spent here. The shrine still had a soothing scent flowing through it and the gentle glow of the moon light shining into the room beat back the long hand of the darkness as Kali’s legs swung back and forth underneath the chair, unable to stop stop her excitement from physically manifesting

'More used to my presence, but not completely over..' Cecilia mentally noted, watching how they seemed to lightly hang on each of her words, despite of any efforts they were taking. It wasn't as bad as before, from the goddess' perspective, but still there. However at the please, she smiled softly - perhaps even sadly - as she recalled past memories. With the lightest of sighs, she leaned forward against her arms. "The most famous of my adventurers is likely the one that ascended me to godhood. Suffice it to say, dragons exist but they are very rare, very powerful creatures, whose blood is magic and scales as if steel." She paused a moment, studying the pair and seeing in their eyes that they were eager to hear. "Where to start..."

Pursing her lips for a moment, she nodded lightly to herself. "Probably best I set up the tale. Back when I was mortal, I had made my way up to the Lion's Guard, a group of veteran warriors that had been given the honor similar to a knight. Unlike being knighted, which is steeped in bloodlines and squire-ship, being a Lion's Guard was a path wrought with resolve and proving yourself on the battlefield." As she spoke, there was a tinge of pride in her voice, her lips curving into a happier smile as she recalled. "I had been recognized specifically for my success in mercenary work for the kingdom as well as my style of swordsmanship. People had taken to calling me a 'blade dancer,' like the ones further east." She shifted, looking to both of them in turn as she spun the tale. It was fun for Cecilia to be able to finally talk like this again. She hardly ever had the time as a goddess before, having to split her focus across her people, but now - it was just her and the pair. It reminded her of being human, of the closeness and fellowship. It was something she dearly missed.

"Either way, on one of my tasks to make sure a ruin was clear of danger.. I came across a sleeping dragon. It was hard for me to grasp at first, but soon enough I had hopped onto my steed and made haste back to the kingdom. At first, they didn't believe me.. that was.." Cecilia frowned slightly. "Until villages started to burn from the beast's mouth. I know now that not all dragons are evil, but this one meant to make slaves of us all. As the crown panicked and ordered us to stay and defend them.. I refused, branding me a traitor to the crown. It didn't matter to me." Her frown had slowly turned into an expression of determination as she relived the memories from the tale.

"I guess it was my resolve and conviction that swayed people.. because as I went from kingdom to kingdom, trying to gather what warriors I could.. people looked up at me, as a leader and inspiration - like some sort of light against the darkness." She looked at the two and smirked,"their words, not mine." Shrugging lightly afterwards, as if humbled by the memory, she continued. "Eventually we made it to the final battle.. a lot of us died... including Samantha, my love.." She paused, seeming very sorrowful at mentioning that name. "It was then that I struck the last blow to the beast, killing it as it faded away in a pile of dragon dust. It had wounded me however.. and I was dying.. I guess whatever forces grant such things, decided I was worthy of being a deity." Taking in a breath and letting out a sigh, she watched the two - ever curious to see their reaction. What the questions might be, to see which they were more interested in, whether it be the dragon, her position, her allies, or perhaps even her lost love.

So she stayed. Anela did too. Despite the impending night, and the crickets already troubling the silver chord of their secret harps, she remained. She could have left, standing with a polite word of thanks, and walk out of the shrine, but there was a strength in the warrior, a magnetic presence that pulled Anela, and made her desire more.

She stood straight against the chair back at first. A smile crossed her face, and her hand waved across the sea of hair flowing onto her shoulders. Soon she found herself gazing with lust at the lips of the Goddess, her chin resting on the crossed fingers, and her legs crossed too, with her right foot waving nervously under the table.

Anela wanted adventure. She wanted the adventures that this woman had. She wanted to feel the passion of the fight, the fear of the flight. She wanted to see a dragon, a real one, and not the beast invented to exact more taxes from the uneducated.

To live a life of pleasures, that had been exciting. But the purpose of it faded in the very face of Cecilia’s dedication. One may have a thousand lovers, but their heart turns when the pleasure ends. One may save a thousand lives, and live in their memories forever, beloved. Maybe not forever, Anela thought, if this self-appointed goddess had been forgotten.

“And then what did you do? Did you do something regretful? How comes that they forgot about you after all that you did for them? Is the heart of men really so ungrateful?” exclaimed Anela, with a motion of her hand.

... [double post] ...

Kali’s heart fluttered for a moment as the Goddess seemed to consider their request with a sigh, could perhaps their request perhaps have been too prying in nature she pondered for a moment, but these fears were misplaced as Cecilia began her tale. As her angelic voice began to weave the words to retell the tales of times long since past, Kali leaned closer, elbows planted firmly on the table as her fingers entwined beneath her chin, her eyes wide and gleaming with excitement.

Kali had always had a fancy for the tales of adventure, perhaps as a mental escape to the almost mundane nature of her life. On nights when Bards had accompanied the travelling Merchants into town, she had found herself drawn to the large crowds, drawn into the stories and tales they recited. But none of those experiences could compare to hearing the epic stories of old spoken by a hero themselves. The mention of dragons could only make Kali’s eyes grow even wider with anticipation, her mind running wild with visions of what they must truly look like and how one would ever slay such a massive beast.

Watching the Goddess shift, Kali’s attention remained unfaltering as the tale was spun, the closeness of the moment as this group of three shared tales of such a personal nature only added to the atmosphere. Hearing of Cecilia’s tale and all of the struggles, conflicts and the accomplishments sent shivers of excitement through Kali’s frame. ’Oh the life of a hero, it sounds so terrifying and yet so exciting! The challenges she must have faced, and the adversary she had to overcome!”.

However as she continued to listen to the tale, Kali’s heart quickening as it reached the climax, the loss of her lover gave the tale a bittersweet finale. Unlike the tales often woven by the Bards, real life often demanded sacrifices in events such as these and it seemed that Cecilia and those that had rallied around her had paid a heavy price for their victory. As the Divine Lady let out a soft sigh, her piercing gaze turned to her captive audience, no doubt curious for the reaction to the story that they had so pleaded for.

Struggling with all the emotions the tale had stirred up inside her Kali managed to reply ”That sounds like such a wonderful and yet...tragic tale, to have slain a dragon..” she paused her thoughts as she became lost in wonder for a moment before becoming continuing, more invigorated in her line of questioning now ”Surely for such a deed those that had doubted you like the crown realised their mistake right? And did you ever get to see Samantha again? As a Goddess were you able to communicate beyond the boundary of live and death like in some of the tales?” Kali asked in quick succession, almost looking for a happier note for the story to end on as her own world view seemed to want to deny such a tragic end to the tale

They both seemed intensely interested, which in a way made the goddess feel good, almost cared for on some level. It had been such a long time since she had felt these things from others - especially so personal as this. It made her smile softly as the pair asked their questions, causing her to just watch them for a moment. They also had very different personalities and she had to admit, there was something in both of them that she enjoyed. ".. the crown did not doubt me anymore, no, but by then I was a goddess. As for Sam.." Cecilia let out a soft sigh, having accepted the fate long ago. "I did try at first.. but only certain deities are granted this power.. nor could I revive her.. it seems like some cruel jest - or at least I thought so before - that I was a god and she was still dead." Easing the news with a light shrug, "but that was a few hundred years ago now."

"As for my absence..." She sat a little straighten and pursed her lips, a mixture of guilt and sadness written on her face. ".. long ago before I was forgotten.. everyone in this land loved me. It had only been a couple decades though before.. this Beast.. this darkness, turned everyone into angry, soulless things. Since no one prayed to me.. I used the last of my power to.. put them to rest and defeat the creature." She reached up and rubbed her temples with a heavy sigh. "For some reason, the other deities did nothing to spread the tale.. that or no one would believe that I was anything but a wrathful witch. So people abandoned me - out of fear - thinking I killed my people out of spite." Cecilia again shrugged lightly, as if trying to brush it off, but it was clear that it bothered her deeply.

However, the goddess turned her attention to them curiously and leaned back, propping herself up by the palms of her hands on the table. "I suppose I could try to gather a following once more.. regain my power.. but I'm not sure. In truth, I miss this. Personal connection and speaking frankly with those who look favorably upon me. I only ever wanted to do good in this world.. and I could do a lot of good if I reacquired my strength, but.." For the first time, the goddess pursed her lips shyly. At that, she simply decided to let thought hang in the air, her eyes slowly falling towards the ground in thought.

As that gentle sighing sound escaped from the soft lips of the Goddess, Kali couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter for a moment as the edge of sadness was all to apparent in the sound. Though it was good to know that Cecilia had been vindicated and the crown now believed her, Kali could not help but feel that the story was still lacking the happy ending that she had long come to expect from such epics. To have dealt with that loss and kept the memory of her lover with her for a few hundred years sounded like a heavy burden, and Kali could not help but marvel at how strong Cecilia’s conviction must have been to not have become lost with grief.

As Cecilia moved on to explain her absence and how, Kali wondered if this story would be even more painful than the last one. As of yet, Cecilia had maintained very controlled in regards to her emotional displays, and yet at this very moment it was clear by the look on her face that this tale held great pain for her. Leaning in closer, her mind both curious and nervous about what kind of story could cause such a strong individual such pain. The description of the creature made Kali’s skin crawl as she felt a cold shiver travel through her body, how could such a monster that could destroy the souls of people exist. Thinking out loud Kali softly talked to herself ”And then through the years those tales of a wrathful witch remained, keeping people scared..!” Kali felt a wave of guilt as she realised her actions over the last few years had inadvertently continued to fuel those rumors and stories.

Even as Cecilia attempted to act as though the betrayal of the Gods and people had not bothered her, it was not hard to tell it was just an act to disguise the true pain she felt. Feeling the guilt firmly settle in her stomach, Kali felt as though she had a duty to repay the Goddess for the disservice she had done her. ’And that’s not just because I want to spend more time with Cecilia’ she told herself, though the truth was clearly a mixture of both.

Watching as Cecilia turned her attention back to them, Kali feeling a wave of heat rush through her body as her emerald eyes pierced through her body with that intense gaze of hers, Kali couldn’t help but respond ”I would be honoured to be a part of your following Cecilia.”, her voice betraying the excitement and enthusiasm she had for the prospect of getting to spend more time in the presence of this Goddess. Kali paused for a moment as she realised her statement may have been a little to selfish and added hastily ”I have been part of a few groups during my life but I have no felt a strong connection to them, but while I am with you I feel an..energy and a desire to fill a purpose. If you wish to bring good to this world, I want to be able to help you reach that goal”. Kali finished, her words ringing with a strong conviction

Oh wondrous doubt! thought Anela, which turn a things of beauty into a forgotten memory. Such a wonderful story, and so marvelously told, that for a moment it felt as if it could be true. Be it the sense of warmth that Cecilia’s eyes commanded, be it the flashing of the silvery armor, and of the blade, which she mastered with otherworldly grace, Anela came as close a contemplating the possibility of falling for her.

In the shining shrine, surrounded by the sleepy valleys of Theron, by then a theater of crickets and lost souls, a well spent life awaited ahead, enlightened by the words of a reborn Goddess. Anela could not contain her lips from bending into a smirk of pride. There was warmth in her womb, a maternal feeling of having awaken youth, and that growing sense that Cecilia was somehow hers, that she owed her to keep her alive, and well, and happy.

No beast, no matter how vile and how dark, could sever them then. No tale could convince her of the witchcraft that had befallen on Cecilia’s suitors. Anela had seen the terror in the eyes of the young boy in front of the shrine, and she had seen already the speed of his flight, and she had not faltered then, not with a single chill running down her spine. All the legends in the world would but amuse her, and be accompanied by the echo of her laughter in reply. It was not the fear of the witch to refrain her. It was her pride.

”Ah, there, you thing of beauty." began Anela ”Look what foolish words you are already brewing from the lips of this youth! She would give you her entire soul, not even knowing, not for a moment, what truly stirs in your heart.
And, as foolish as her, I too, must confess, find the moment quite queer, stirring almost against my will. Two words, until my heart holds, and before the better part of me chickens out of it, for the sake of wisdom: Guide us. Please.”

Anela clenched her fists, and her teeth closed on her lips again. She held them tight, until, with a final burst, she added ”But, in all due respect, don’t expect that I bow to you for nothing. If needed, she’ll do the bowing for both of us.”

As the pair started to ring out to her, those green eyes found themselves looking at the mortal women once more, but instead of a raised eyebrow there was a gentle smile on her lips. ".. I do not mean to bring out the foolishness in you, Anela.." she lightly teased. Soon enough though, she adorned a more serious expression followed by a sigh. "Again, this is new to me. When I ascended the first time, it was no time before I had hundreds - even thousands - of those asking for my guidance and wisdom." Cecilia pushed from the table and stood up, brushing her hair back as she slowly started to pace back and forth in thought.

When she finally decided on something, she came to a slow stop and turned to the women. "I suppose there is no better way to go about this... then to commission ourselves to a hero's life.. if you truly wish. I would never force anything of you.." Again, she smirked, though perhaps with a slight bashfulness at Anela. ".. so no need to bow." With the lightest of blushes on her cheeks as she also gave Kali a curious glance, she walked over to the blade in the ground, pulling it from it's resting place. "Find someone in need. Though perhaps it would be best I ask this - what expertise do either of you have? In magic, combat, or simply otherwise. I may be immortal, but you two are not.. yet.." Cecilia wasn't sure letting slip a secret like that was exactly a wise choice so early, but on the other hand, felt it would do no harm to hint towards her thoughts. She was acutely aware of how important they were and wished for them to be more, if they proved to be the type of women that fit her own role in the heavens.

Kali glanced towards Anela after her remark towards herself ’I suppose given who it is coming from, it should be taken as a complement’ Kali thought to herself as a small smile crept up at the edge of her lips, glad to see that despite her pride she still felt the same as Kali felt. As the eyes of the Goddess fell upon her though, Kali’s found her vision was quickly dragged back towards Cecilia as she spoke to them once more, her attention once more undivided as the Goddess continued the story of the years long since passed. As Cecilia pushed herself up from the table, her form gracefully weaving through the air as she paced in the shrine, Kali’s mind drifted back to the words both Anela and Cecilia had spoken ’To be gifted the Wisdom and Guidance of a Goddess as fair and noble as Cecilia, though I may be foolish as Anela had said I stand by that decision I made in that moment.’.

With her mind confident that she truly agreed with what she had said, her heart quickened as the Goddess gazed at them once more and spoke of the prospect of a hero’s life. To quest across the land in the name of Cecilia! Often when her mind wandered through the endless fields of possibilities, the prospect of becoming a hero had always been a favourable dream to pondered on for hours. And yet now here came the chance for that dream to become reality. Catching the Goddess’s eyes for but a moment Kali felt a tinge of heat in her cheeks, a reaction she was sure would remain for many an encounter yet. So caught up in the moment and the idea of being a hero, Kali almost missed that last word as is so gently slipped from those divine lips, Kali almost doubting if she had even heard it correctly.

’Yet? Does that mean we could become Immortal? To be with Cecilia forever?!’ Kali’s mind quickly raced with the possibilities of what such a future could hold. Quickly clamping that train of thoughts down before she lost herself in day-dreaming, she forced herself to focus back on Cecilia’s question as she was no doubt expecting an answer. ’W-well, I can’t say I’ve ever had to fight in a proper battle before…” Kali started off rather bashfully, wanting to be honest of her abilities but at the same time not wanting to come off as useless ’Nor have I had the chance to delve into the arcane arts. B-but I do have some skill with a bow and have some skill in tracking from the times I’ve been hunting.’. Pausing for a moment she thought about the best way to word her next statement ”..And I have had some experience with some sleight of hand along with inconspicuous movements out in public ”