Death looked upon the Sylvan Goddess, sorrowful and wilted. “Surely, you don’t think that’s true?”

“Very seldom does life thrive in toxicity; I will not submit myself to this… place.”

“But…” Xenon questioned, “Can you not feel that this world needs you?”

“This is not the world…” Senna turned her head toward him. “Empyrean is not the world. It is not my world.”

Death's hollow gaze fixed upon her, a twinge of sorrow to his pallor face.

“Please,” Senna asked him, “Leave… I've no desire for Death’s company.”

Xenon averted his gaze, silently shifting into the darkness. The Goddess breathed deeply as the breeze livened. “Peace be…” she said, “Home is not far…” She smiled as she laid her head upon her knees; a whisper of joy flowed across her ears.

Soon came the first echoes of spring, warming the land, and the last of the snow, which clung to the earth and branches in the darkest parts of the woods, dripped upon her brow. The coolness roused her from sleep upon a soft bed of newly bloomed flowers, which held her as if one of their own.

It was moments like these that she wished she could stay, but the time had finally come. A sadness flowed upon the chill wind, but this spring would be a happy time… as no matter where, nature would always follow her.

When she emerged from the deep woods, the city of Empyrean lay before her, looming high into the sky, like a blister upon an otherwise beautiful world. But her disdain was suddenly interrupted by the sound of clashing steel from yonder. She looked upon a far-off field beside the city walls; the wind beckoned her there, and her own curiosity led her further. It seemed for now… her plans would be put on hold.

On approach, it appeared that two gods were locked in intense battle; the clashing of their weapons resounded, shaking even the air.

The sound of nature had been drowned out under its intensity. She approached further, cautiously, but once closer, she recognized one of them. The fair-haired Goddess Caranex, who once visited her woods alongside another, is now locked in a duel. But who was this other?

The god whose blade shined like starlight sparked against the axe Caranex wielded. His slick black hair and stiff appearance went unrecognized to her… Save for one thing, they had the same eyes.

Her weapon crashed against his, shattering the earth at his feet, but the God’s stance remained strong, as he threw off the brunt of her attack and followed up with a slash of his own. But this was different, as it seemed to split the air and create large gashes in the ground. Caranex doubled back, as multiple cuts were carved across her arms and body.

For a moment, Senna stood in shock, but Caranex rose to her feet, and her weapon began to glow a deep purple, and the ground shook, dirt and rock rising in the air.

The goddess took a defensive stance as she held her axe in the air. It came down with the force of a meteor, sending a wave of earthen destruction toward the God. Spires of rock erupted from under him, sending him into the air. She appeared above him, and with a mighty slash, sent him plummeting to the ground.

Senna could not but stand and watch. She’d never seen such brutality, but Caranex smiled. Could she be… enjoying herself?

Dust obscured the view, but within a scant few seconds, a white glow dispersed it like transparent slashes, and the God burst from the cloud with breakneck speed. Off guard, he caught the goddess vulnerable and capitalized. What seemed to be one thousand slashes fell upon her; though she let out no cry of pain, she pushed through and clashed her blade against his once more. For a time they struggled under each other’s strength, but as the battle grew long, they stopped and laughed.

“Like the old days… isn’t it?” He panted.

“I’m not sure what you mean. Were you always this… feeble?” She said, trying to mask her breathlessness.

He rolled his eyes dramatically and straightened his posture. “Resorting to insults now, are we?” The God dusted off his armor.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Caranex stood again, her wounds healing quickly. “Please… these wounds barely stung. Perhaps you should be more aggressive next time; maybe you’d wound me more than a few grazes.”

“Perhaps if you swung with some purpose save for destruction, you’d actually land a more decisive blow.” He said.

“Damned arrogant.” She said.

He walked up to her; Senna hid amidst the foliage and flowers, getting a closer look.

“Are you going to tell me what this is about, why you wanted to duel in the middle of the day?” He asked.

"Do we ever need a reason to meet in battle? I recall you enjoying our bouts once upon a time.”

He walked up and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I know you, sister… something is off. If not only your aim.”

Downtrodden, the War Goddess batted his hand away lightly. “I’ll be fine, Dura; I have no need for your coddling.”

He rolled his eyes. “Is this about that nature goddess… who was it, Senna?”

“Of course not…” she retorted.

“You aren’t serious… and even after that meeting, with her less-than-pleasant attitude and lack of respect?”

She breathed deeply, Senna looking upon her for a moment as the sunlight glinted upon the War Goddess’s skin… She had a rugged beauty. Senna’s eyes widened. “Not all of us value rules and regality so highly as you, brother. As if you’ve any reason to talk…”

“And what do you mean…?”

“I see the way you look at him, Dura…” she said

He stiffened. “I don’t know what you mean…”

She pointed her finger, “He is just as… unruly! And you still feel as you do, however much you wish to deny it.”

The War God turned away, leaving only a few words, “I will not talk about this… Go chase your damned nymph; chase her to her demise if that is what you wish.”

Caranex turned her head, ignoring his words. And as her brother walked away, alone in the field stood her… and the goddess who hid among the stalks.

Senna peeked through them, gazing upon her again… And suddenly, their eyes met.

“Senna…” she heard.

No… not like this; she can't know I was here. The thought bled through Senna’s mind as she stood up and turned toward her woods.

“Wait…!” Caranex shouted.

No… I can’t. She ran as quickly as she could. It was inappropriate, unbecoming, and unruly…

“Stop!” A hand grasped her wrist firmly.

How, is all she could think. But the grasp was gentle, warm. Senna snapped her head around. “Let me… go…” Her eyes widened again; Caranex stood so close. Her short blonde hair fell gently across her brow. All the menace, the power she exuded in the fight with her brother, had vanished, and now her presence emanated only comfort, perhaps… desire?

“Where are you going?” she said, loosening her grip on Senna’s wrist. “Were you… listening?”

“No… I,” she said, shaking away the War Goddess's grip. “No, why would I care for the words of two War Gods! Are you not bred for battle and not gossip?”

“Gossip?” She questioned.

“Yes… and you presented yourself to me as a—friend, you and Alethia. But obviously you have other opinions! So much so that you couldn’t even share them with your brother. Do you hate me so much?” She scowled viciously, but her heart beat in sorrow. Why was she saying this… to hurt her? Return the pain she feels?

“Hate you… no, I…” Caranex paused; the Sylvan Goddess’s pained gaze was fixed on her. “How could you think that?”

“Are you saying I misheard…?” Senna questioned, crossing her arms.

“Yes.” She said bluntly.

The sylvan goddess snapped her gaze away.

“How I feel is none of Dura…” she stuttered, “I mean…my brother’s business.”

“Well…” Senna uttered. “It doesn’t matter how you feel. I’m leaving soon.”

“What…” Caranex’s eyes widened. “No… but you can’t… I.”

“I… do not belong here. Zyphor made that clear.”

Caranex reached out her hand as if to grasp Senna’s, but pulled away, “What if I… talked to Zyphor?”

Senna raised an eyebrow. “Would it make a difference?” she questioned.

Rustling came from the field beyond them. And from the reeds walked a winged deity.

“Oh… I’m sorry. I must have the wrong field.” He said awkwardly. He turned, but Caranex stopped him.

“Are you looking for Dura?” she said bluntly.

Senna couldn’t help but notice the way he glowed. Could this be the “he” Caranex spoke of? It must’ve been. His energy was like the warmth of the summer sun across new leaves and fresh blooms. He smelled of peace and new life… in a way, he reminded her of herself or the nature she so loved.

“Yes… I… thought he’d be here,” the angelic deity said.

“He was,” Caranex said, “I suppose he’s at his hall now…”

The deity smiled, “Then I’ll leave you two in peace. I apologize; I fear I’ve interrupted an… important conversation.” He bowed.

“It’s no matter…” Caranex smiled gently.

The deity unfurled and turned to walk away. “You’re very beautiful…” Senna said. “I’m sure he sees that too.”

He turned and smiled her way and continued on.

As he left Caranex stepped toward Senna, but the Sylvan Goddess took a step back. “I’m sorry…”

“Senna…” the War Goddess said.

“I have to go.” She turned and disappeared into the reeds. She couldn’t look upon Caranex any longer, for fear she’d say something she’d regret… Though that very same desire that filled her heart was stifled by guilt.

Caranex's hand stood outstretched, though, as Senna walked away. The goddess stood alone for a time and walked away herself. What else could she have said? What else could she do?

As time passed further, Senna sat upon her usual stump deep in her woods, heart laden with grief drowned by anger. The wind caressed her ear, whispering and pleading, though ignored… its Goddess could not hear it. For the first time, she felt truly alone, and the world she so loved felt abandoned.