Multitudes of snowflakes drifted on meandering gusts of wind. This winter had been much more mild than seasons past and some pondered if it was due to the presence of a goddess as radiant as the sun itself. Whether true or not the fact remained that the snow was lighter than normal and to that few complained. There were areas of forest and ground that dirt could still be seen which made it much easier for people to move around. Here in the village of Doovlin it was especially fortuitous as they were so far removed from paved roads.
Miya had been here in the village for the past few days, her soul once again returned to her mortal body. She had been gifted so many things since her resurrection with everyone from neighbors to distant acquaintances wanting to give her something to celebrate her re-emergence. These gifts generally consisted of foods as that was a valuable currency up in the mountains and the young woman found herself unable to eat all of it in even a lifetime. Thus she had resorted to gifting most of it away back into the community to those who needed it most, an act that none took insult at.
The precious gifts Miya had received from mortals were only one part of the equation as the gifts she had received from Jenna were paramount compared to what mortals had to offer. Firstly she had been given a beautiful set of dress robes of gold and green that befitted her status as high priestess, the jewelry that accompanied it enchanted with a myriad of magical effects. She had also been gifted plentiful spells, mostly focusing on healing and protecting, though she had a few offensive spells as well. Her body had also been enhanced with extra powerful wards and resistances, something expected from the goddess due to previous incidents.
All these boons and blessings might have driven a lesser human's mind to think themselves more important than they truly were. Miya however was under no disillusion about her worth however and knew that she had been chosen by Jenna because of her caring heart. This was put to the proof this very day as she was currently contributing to her local community in a way no one could have expected: healing the sick. Something incredibly useful in these cold months as in winter sickness was especially dangerous.
Inside the only local inn, JJ's Drinkery, there was a small group of villagers gathered around the table at which the high priestess stood. Miya had been healing the sickness out of anyone who had asked and the last few were just now getting their treatment. The population of the logging village wasn't that high but there had still been a dozen or so people that had come down with various sniffles and fevers in the winter climate.
Miya sighed in relief as she removed her glowing hands from the forehead of a small baby boy, her hands then returning to normal. She smiled at the mother who gasped in surprise and joy at her child's instant recovery.
“There that should do.” She said.
The mother bowed slightly to Miya.
“Thank you Miya! Thank you so much!”
Miya simply nodded with a warm smile on her face.
“You're very welcome.” She replied. “Now make sure you stay out of the cold alright?”
With an elated promise of obedience the mother then gave praise to both Miya and Jenna before turning to leave. This left Miya standing at the table with only a few other villagers, both adults who had decided to stay to watch the high priestess dispense with more healing after their own treatment.
Once of them was Jenson Butterhorn who was here in order to oversee the miracle working. He had decided to become more involved with his local community as of late and throughout the previous year had even spearheaded some infrastructure efforts with his own funding. Most people attributed this sudden generosity to the demands of the goddess though that wasn't entirely true. He had slowly begun to morph into a better person, though that was influenced by the goddess's example.
Jenson was sitting on a chair next to the table Miya was at and had his arms crossed over his chest as he watched the last villager get healed.
“It's hard to believe we actually have you back.” He said shaking his head. “All this time you've been locked up inside the goddess's body like a mouse in a cage. I never did get details about how that was.”
Miya turned to the man and sighed in playful annoyance, her right hand on her hip in a fist.
“That's because its not necessary for others to know.” She replied with a smug smile. “The inner workings of our goddess's mind aren't public information you know!”
“I know I know.” Jenson said with a shake of his head. He then dropped his arms and picked up the small flagon of ale he had in front of him. “Its just a shame is all.” He said before taking a drink. Then he put the flagon back down. “That goddess is kind but so very capricious. Having even slight insight into her mind would certainly be useful.”
A pleasant laugh escaped Miya's body as the young woman heard this man express his thoughts. In the past she would have seen him as an enemy but it seemed he had really changed for the better.
“You just leave interpreting Jenna's mind to me Mr. Butterhorn!” She said wagging one of her fingers in his direction. “I dare say no one else could even hope to do so regardless.”
The innkeeper and owner Jackson Juniper had just finished clearing away one of the tables as its patrons had got up and left. He overheard the conversation and the older man walked over with a curious look about him.
“Oh by the by dear Miya.” He said politely. “I've been meaning to ask you. Ever since coming back to us you've been calling the goddess by her name only. I've been curious as to why that is?”
Miya turned to the man and shrugged with a somewhat dismissive expression.
“Oh its just something her and I came to an agreement on during my stay with her.” She answered. Then she put her right hand to her chin in thought. “I suppose its truly due to how in her body she was no larger than a human child. Something she later learned to become out here in the world as well.” A smile then came across her face as her hand lowered. “She truly is a cute girl is she not?”
Both men looked to each other with slightly anxious looks. It was clear to them that the high priestess's time with the goddess had altered their relationship in ways they would never experience.
Jenson let out a quick huff of breath and leaned back in his chair, his arms returning to cross over his chest. There was a slight frown on his face due to disbelief.
“I feel that her childish appearance is more of a detriment than a boon to us mere mortals.” He said with honesty. “It serves to blind us to her true and terrifying nature of a goddess. I know I've fallen for her charms and regretted it.”
This brought another joyful laugh from Miya as she stepped over to rub the troubled man's shoulder.
“Only because you put yourself at odds with her for so long!”
Jackson had gone to put down the few dishes he had been carrying on the bar counter and returned to where they were. There were only a couple other patrons here at the moment and they were being attended to by the hostess, previously a prostitute.
“You should consider yourself fortunate.” He said with a more serious expression. “I've heard rumor that Goddess Jenna has fewer qualms in removing evil people from the world as of late. There was a foreign mage not too long ago that killed some locals in a town further north and its said the goddess smote the woman on the spot.”
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Being reminded of this made Jenson shake his head and look down at the floor in a slightly more anxious mood.
“Don't remind me. That could have been me when I first met her.”
Miya sighed and put her hands on her hips before leaning into the table to rest her buttocks upon it. There was a saddened expression on her face as she looked over to the men.
“Yes its true she's been more like to deliver divine justice.” She said in a somber tone. “It's a battle she fights with fervor, even as her opponent is her own anger. You understand being a goddess is such an incredible responsibilities and the love she has in her heart for her worshipers often drives her to fury against those who would harm them.”
Jackson nodded and tapped his fingers on the table before him.
“Though frightening to imagine our sweet goddess committing such acts its only expected.” He said thoughtfully. “Eventually mercy must be replaced with justice. Any man of rule faces the same reality.”
Another deeper sigh came from Miya as she looked down at the floor, a defeated mannerism dominating her usual chipper attitude.
“I suppose.” She replied wistfully. “It just hurts my heart. I so wish she was less prone to anger.”
Jenson nodded.
“We can only pray she finds her path. Not that I fear her rampaging or such.”
Their conversation was interrupted as the door to the inn was suddenly opened, the cold winds carrying snowflakes to swirl into the building through the new opening. Two figures quickly slid themselves into the large room and closed the door with a wooden thud behind them. They were garbed in large hooded cloaks and had the appearance of travelers.
Jackson's head perked up and he moved to walk towards the two newcomers, their faces clearly not ones he recognized.
“Greetings friends!” He said warmly. “Please come in. What brings you here today? Can I get you anything started?”
The two figures removed their hoods and revealed themselves as men, one younger and one of middling age. They seemed to be father and son by their faces. The father had brown hair and a thick beard while the son had long butter colored hair and none on his chin. There was a certain animalistic look in their eyes that could easily put one on edge if not dismissed.
“Meat if you have it.” The father said somewhat sharply. “And thank you sir.”
Jackson nodded and gestured welcomingly with his arms.
“Of course!” He replied in friendly tone. “This time of year its one of the few things we have that fills the belly. Please have a seat and I'll bring something to you shortly.”
This newcomer nodded and walked over to the closest table, his son following immediately behind. The two of them sat down at the table and seemed to relax, their shoulders falling and their postured slumped like someone who was weary after a long journey. In the warmth of the inn the snow on their shoulders and backs was already melting to wet their clothing.
The young man looked over to where Miya and Jenson were sitting and smiled in a friendly manner.
“Please forgive my father his manners.” He said. Then gesturing to each of them he did introductions. “My name is Remus and this is Pittenbar. We've come from far away to visit your village in search of the high priestess called Miya.”
Miya stood up fully again and put her hands on her hips, her body turned to face the two.
“I am she.” She said with pride in her tone. “What is it you need?”
Pittenbar was remaining quiet and seemingly was allowing his son to take the lead in conversing with others. This was something the son seemed used to and wasn't bothered in the slightest.
“It's wonderful to meet you high priestess!” He said quickly standing to bow. Then he sat down again and smiled over to her. “We've met Goddess Jenna's high priest before. When we heard she also had a high priestess who lived so close to us we simply couldn't help but come and give our respects. There is also a temple around here at which he hoped to pray at.”
This seemed to bring a smile to Miya's face and she sauntered over to the table they were sitting at with clear enjoyment in her position. The enjoyment of her powerful position being something she might have picked up from her goddess. Not that she was haughty but more than she had pride in her ability to perform important duties.
“That all sounds quite wonderful.” She replied to them with a warm smile. “Is that the only reason you've come? It seems you've traveled long.” She asked continuing to feign ignorance to who they were.
Pittenbar finally spoke again and his voice was gruff.
“My son has always dreamed of seeing the kingdom at large.” He said. “A foolish dream I said once. Now however it seems even I am afforded a chance to leave our home. Thus we come here to also visit as travelers.”
Remus smiled and nodded.
“I've even been able to visit the capital itself!” He then looked down with a blush. “Only possible with the help of our goddess however.”
Miya chuckled and shook her head in a playful matter.
“I've always wanted to see the capital as well.” She replied. “Well in person anyway.”
Remus gave her a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”
Miya smiled coyly. “Oh nothing.”
As their conversation had continued Jackson had reappeared again from the kitchen behind the counter and walked over to the table. He was carrying two small trays on which were simple meals. These consisted of a small bowl of meat stew, a half loaf of bread, and small cup of watered down wine. With great aptitude he quickly deposited these trays down on the table in front of the visitors.
“So where do you hail from then friends?” Jackson asked.
Remus took the lead again and looked up at the innkeep with a nod.
“Thank you sir.” He said first. Then addressed the question. “Both me and my father are from a village called Nova Bellumis at the southern end of the Teforh Forest.” He sighed with a tinge of sadness. “I'm afraid its name is due to its recent founding.”
Miya crossed her arms across her chest and remained silent, her expression one of someone who knew more than they were letting on. Meanwhile standing next to her Jackson looked very surprised and even concerned.
“Goodness!” Jackson exclaimed. “I heard that village is one that came under attack from those terrible undead creatures that were an issue before. The goddess protected you as well I know but its still a shame you had to go through such terrible things. I hope all is well now.”
Pittenbar had begun to eat his food and nodded up at the innkeep.
“Yes it is. And thank you.”
Jenson had been sitting at his table silently this entire time, seemingly content to listen to the conversation. He however at last stood up and began walking over towards the door of the inn, his cloak being pulled up over his head.
“Well it was a pleasant time.” He said towards Miya. “I'll leave you to your business.” He then nodded to the newcomers. “Welcome to Doovlin and safe journeys to you.”
After receiving a like greeting from the two visitors and farewells from the two Doovlinites Jenson took his leave of the inn. The door once again opened to allow the swirling snow to sweep into the building before the man slipped out and closed it once again.
With the momentary distraction gone Miya crossed her arms over her stomach and turned her attention back to the two travelers. She looked at them speaking with a sly smile and a wink.
“Oh I also wanted to say I'm aware of your true nature.” Her smile then grew wider as she saw them jump in surprise. “Don't you worry.” She reassured them. “As long as you don't reveal it you should have no troubles from me. I don't want any unneeded fears taking root here is all.”
Both Remus and Pittenbar looked at each with understanding. They realized as high priestess she surely heard about them and their cursed condition from the goddess. There was great relief plain on their faces hearing she wasn't opposed to their presence and the relaxed visibly.
Jackson looked at the two men and then at Miya, a curious look on his face.
“Oh? What's this then?”
Miya smiled over at the elderly man with almost a motherly look.
“It's nothing to worry about Mr. Juniper.” She assured him. “Just something particular about that village the goddess would rather keep as quiet as possible.”
This reply got Jackson to ponder for a few moments as he thoughtfully rubbed his chin.
“I did hear scant rumor of a village filled with beast men.” He then looked at the two travelers. “If that village is yours then I assure you our people have no animosity towards yours.”
Remus put his right hand to his heart and let out a sigh of relief.
“Thank you friends.” He said smiling weakly. “I'll admit that those that know our goddess well seem quite open to accepting us where most would turn us away or worse.” He then looked up to Miya. “Might we bother you to speak on the goddess with us? You surely know her better than us.”
Another little giggle came from Miya as she covered her mouth with his left hand.
“I suppose I could indulge you.” She replied. “Just keep in mind my instructions to you and remember you have nothing to fear from us. Now what is it you'd like to know?”
With that said Miya reached down to move her dress in a way that allowed her to comfortably sit down. Then once she had arranged herself she joined the two men at the table, her priestly robes flowing over the chair she was sitting on. While doing this she was reminded why this outfit was something she only wore on occasion as it was quite cumbersome at times.
Thus she and her two newfound friends began their discussion into the goddess, her intimate knowledge of Jenna something she had to constantly hold back on as to not reveal too much. There was a certain level of privacy she had to maintain for her best friend and goddess after all. These two werewolves were quite willing to learn and share experiences with her and it brought joy to her heart to fulfill her duties as high priestess in such a way. She hoped that the future held many more such occasions.