Lilia POV

A blinding light descends from the heavens, and I hear my father start offering prayers.

“Father, can we go see?” I ask. My interest piqued.

“No, Lilia, whatever was there required divine intervention. If by any chance.. that wasn’t enough. Men! Turn the caravan around!”

“Sir!”

“Immediately!”

The guards respond. They’re all too afraid. Something of this scale hasn’t happened since this kingdom was founded. The land being a blessing from our god Lumox. He drove out the demons who had tainted the land, and nourished it.

Whatever it was, I want to see this historical moment for myself. I jump out the back of the wagon and run off. Ignoring my father’s pleas. I hear the clanking of armor as the guards run after me, but I’m faster in this mud.

The dirt stains my white dress, and I lose my comfortable shoes, but I continue. The slimy texture feeling somewhat pleasant.

“Hya!” I cry out falling backwards.

I was keeping my eyes on the after image of that holy light, and almost ran into a skeleton. It doesn’t attack, just staring at me with a mace gripped in its hand.

“Kyaaaaa!” I scream as I spot a foot in the other. Only to abruptly stop as I see it’s still connected to a person.

The mace wielding skeleton stares straight into my eyes, and this time, I don’t shy away. It jumps in surprise, dropping the leg in the process.

It suddenly jerks its skull upwards as the guards who were chasing me catch up. It turns tail in a hurry, and sprints off. Disappearing into the treeline.

Is this person is from the heavens? I think as my eyes move towards the prone body. Then that means this person… my thoughts trail off, absorbing every detail of his nudity.

“No!” I shout to clear my head. “This is a god descended from the heavens! To have such blasphemous thoughts!” The words flying out of my mouth as blood rises to my face.

“Mmmgh.” The man groans as if in pain.

Now that I observe him, he doesn’t have wings, nor the divine aura. I read of those being traits of even their lowly messengers. Does that mean…

“He was cast from the heavens?” I mutter.

“Miss, we must retu- who is that?” Asks the guard. It’s Pierre, a rank B/2 adventurer that my father’s been hiring since he was still a class C.

“A fallen god…” I answer with a tone of reverence.

“Let’s leave. It doesn’t bode well.” Says Gurt. A rank C/1 adventurer just about to advance. In fact, this is his last mission.

“No, no matter what he may have done to earn the heaven’s wrath, he is now a mortal, a human being like ourselves. I won’t leave him to die.” I say firmly.

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“But.. miss.” Pierre says while avoiding my gaze.

I look back towards the mysterious man. His long black hair clean despite having been dragged through mud. His unmarred skin covering toned muscles, and his strong brows that give him a fierce and regal look. This man.. was clearly a god.

“We’re taking him back with us.” I say driving in my resolve.

“We’ll surely incur the wrath of the gods if we do such a thing! Please reconsider!” Gurt shouts, getting a bit exasperated.

“Well you’ll surely incur the wrath of my father should I die!” I yell back planting myself firmly next to the fallen god.

Pierre POV

Well, it’s all good that lady Lilia agreed to come back.. but I don’t know what is going to happen now? Our miss could have brought home a stray dog, or even a drakeling, but a fallen god?! Her father may have allowed it, but I can’t imagine this ending well.

“Sir, could I have a word?” I ask the merchant.

“Of course. What is it?” He responds.

“It’s about that fallen god.” I begin.

“I assumed so.”

“Well, I believe he can’t be anything but bad news.”

“Tell me Pierre, do you see myself as a being who was detrimental to you? Was our meeting good or bad luck to you?” He asks a strange question.

“It was good fortune. You’ve helped me in many ways. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to make it this far, but what that has to-” he raises a hand to silence me.

“You see, Pierre. I am a fallen noble myself.” A shocked look crosses my face. For nobility to have fallen from grace requires serious crimes. Treason is the first that comes to mind.

“Hahaha, you can’t imagine just what I could have done, have you? That must remain a secret, but I have done nothing I am ashamed of, and I have a feeling it is the same for that man.”

“While that may be true, the realm of gods is far different from those of mortals.”

“Have you ever been there yourself?”

“W-well, of course not, but according to the-”

“Then just believe in my decision. My daughter isn’t one to misjudge people you know?” He laughs, and I know the conversation is over. I turn away, still unconvinced.

Lilia POV

The wagon pulls out of the mud with one final squelch. Making its way onto the dirt path as we head back towards our village.

The birdsongs return and fill the air as we leave the Undead Marsh behind us. It’s soothing to be on this cart. At first it was rough, and unlike the carriages I’d used to ride when I was younger. I hated it, but now I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

There’s so much more space, and I can freely work on my clothing. It’s like a portable workspace.

I hum a tune as I sew, the dyed cloth I’m using is expensive, but considering who will wear them, I find it a bit lacking.

“It’s beautiful.” I hear from behind me, causing me to jump in fright. The voice was soft yet deep, ringing ever so gently in my ear. I could almost lose myself in it.

“Ah, it’s not finished.” I answer, keeping my back turned towards him as to hide my blushing face.

“I was speaking about your song. Please, wouldn’t you continue?” He asks, his words causing me to shiver in delight.

“Mm,” I respond pursing my lips. I begin to sing songs that I’d learned in that posh room that I used to own. Forgetting about all the questions I had wanted to ask him when he woke.

“Thank you.” He said. I snuck a glance behind me, and our eyes met. He had sharp black eyes that seemed to look into your very soul, and a smile so gentle it felt as if the breeze would carry it away.

I felt the blood rise to my face again so I hastily turned my head to work on the cloth. Continuing to sing while I do so.

On the way to Carus Village

??? POV

I feel so empty. As if I’ve lost something important. So hollow. Lonely.

My eyes are open, but I can’t see. Nothing catches my interest, so I simply close them once more. It doesn’t help as the loneliness is amplified by darkness.

I can feel blood course through my veins.. it feels unnatural. Every deep breath bringing not clarity, but confusion.

Isn’t this what it is to live? Then why does it feel so wrong?

My memories don’t exist. My knowledge of the world is frayed. What is wrong with me? Who am I?

My thoughts are interrupted by soothing tones. The music filling the large void in my heart. I sigh in relief as my tormented thoughts are calmed.

I turn my head towards the sounds of my salvation. Slowly opening my eyes to spot the petite frame of a woman. Her soiled white dress is spread out where she sits. The natural curves of her body visible despite the cloth. Soft blonde hair shimmering as the air sweeps through them, a braid of it hanging over her shoulder.

“It’s beautiful.” I say. Ah. Why did I say that? I startled her. No, before that, she’s sure to misunderstand.

“Ah, it’s not finished yet.” She replies. I look over to what she’s working on, and see pieces of dyed fabric laid out. Well, she did misunderstand… wait, I should say something. I frantically think through everything I’ve gathered so far. Not that it amounts to much. What was it again? Oh, the song.

“I was speaking about your song. Please, would you continue?” She starts singing again, and I almost lose myself in her voice.

“Thank you.” This should keep her occupied while I gather my thoughts. I need to find out why I’m here, and recover my memories. All I know is that I need a purpose. I refuse to let go of this life of mine. Her head’s turning. What do I do?

I put on a smile just as her eyes meet mine.

She quickly turns away, and I sigh in relief.

I turn my thoughts to continue where I left off, but soon drift off. Carried to sleep by a gentle melody.