Years after the Goddess of Redemption and Vindication Alexandra gave a young man named Cyrus a second chance at life, a group of gods had gathered as they were interested in learning more about the mortal's activities, now going by the name Asher Burell.

They assembled around a big tablet that resembled a mirror in the Hall of History and, each at their own pace, scanned over the brief period of time that two decades were for the gods.

Of course, several gods were taken aback, if only by the slightest margins, since the mortal Asher was, in fact, a very peculiar man.

One of the most powerful gods, Therogrum, the God of War, Struggle, Conflict, and Honor, sat down on a throne that he created out of thin air. His ancient battle-weary armor, which was covered with scratches and chinks, clanged loudly enough to be heard throughout all the Halls of History.

Alexandra, whose standing height did not quite reach his knees while seated, caught his attention as he gazed down at her from behind his helmet.

He began rather impressed though in a gruff, booming voice, “Alexandra, the mortal you have chosen was indeed a wise choice. He had demonstrated his strength to the world in a matter of seconds. But that does not imply that he lacks courage of the spirit or mind.

If you would allow I want to grant him my boon for he does fall in favorably in sight. In the olden days, I remember my fondest mortal, a warrior after my own. But when I had given him life anew he wasted it with peace, abandoning the warrior ways,” the War God lamented, “it was in the olden days, I cannot even remember his name anymore.“

“Strength he does have, but I do not believe more is what he needs in his life. I must reject for, again, I do not believe he strives for your boon Therogrum,” the goddess told the giant.

“Oh honey, what he truly needs in life would be a bit of love,” Qintoris, the God of Love, Devotion, Passion and Desire, injected with a melodious voice.

Qintoris was one of the younger gods, but not as young as Alexandra. Though one could not guess by his appearance, he was very youthful, and unlike other gods his age, he chose a more spry appearance.

Of course, he chose what suited him best, a, for human standards, tall and rather muscular-looking ash blond-haired man.

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Usually, he was joy personified.

“I spied a bit on your beloved mortal, Alex, and I must say there is not a lot of love going around,” he confessed with a strange sigh of relief. As if it were gossip he told her, “and about your Paragon, what was her name? Faye? Uh, you know she does not show a lot of fondness to Cyrus, do you? Two decades is a rather long time for humans and he has lived most of his life without even the slightest bit of affection from her.

How about I grant him my boon instead so that he could get a bit affection from your Paragon or from somewhere more," he chuckled, "spicy, what do you think?“

“I know that Faye can be a bit… cold at times. Ever since her creation, she had a somewhat dejected approach to mortal beings, but she will never do anything to disappoint me. She is very reliable, it was no coincidence that I chose her for this task. I also do not believe that you must intervene with the love affairs of Cyrus. He and she will find their own way,“ Alexandra fought off the accusations of the God of Love.

“I can still see one of my own mortals when I close my eyes. She was beautiful, and she loved everyone as if they were her own. Catherine, then Katrina, were her names. In her new world, she must have been long dead by now.“

The god stepped back and one could see that his mind had flown off to distant times, reminiscing when he was younger and even happier.

The mix of joy and sadness of old memories had affected him greatly.

It was rare for gods to cry, but this day one came close.

The great stir of emotions had gotten the attention of one god, who was not with them at the moment.

Aralie, the Goddess of the Elements, the basic forces of most universes.

She was truly old, compared to her, Qintoris was but a pup, being one of the first gods that came to be, although like Qintoris, it was not clear by the way she looked, keeping the form she was born in through all the eons that she had lived.

She was a tired god, her mind rarely being attentive to the present and longing to rest as much as she could.

Rubbing her eyes, which had heavy and dark circles under them, while her very long gray hair dragged on the ground, she inquired what the cause of her wake was.

“What is this all…” she said slowly, yawing a long yawn, “about…?”

“Nothing Sweetie, go back to bed,” the God of Love caressed her head gently, then placed a kiss on her forehead.

“No, no, stay,” the God of War insisted, ”we are looking at the latest chosen mortal. Alexandra’s chosen really is a sight to behold.”

“Who… is Alexandra?” Aralie asked.

There was a slight but awkward pause.

But it was true. Aralie had never met Alexandra before but Alexandra knew of Aralie.

She had never awoken since Alexandra had come to as a goddess.

The Goddess of Redemption thought that it was a wretched feeling that another god so old did not know of her, but she suppressed the urge to express any sorrow.

Aralie and Alexandra had then and there their first formal meeting in the ages since Alexandra was a goddess.