Doovlin village had only increased in busyness since the goddess Jenna had become public knowledge. It being the so called birthplace of the goddess and the hometown of the high priestess made it an important place for those who went on pilgrimages. Not to mention even for those less spiritually inclined it was still a popular tourist destination. Those that sought fame and fortune came as well to the imagined future mecca that would come from the previous two reverberations.

While its population was initially quite tiny it had seen an increase due to this influx of people, and while most were just passing through many decided to make it their permanent home. At this point the village was threatening to turn into a town. Though it would never truly become so large as its location hidden deep within the thick forest prevented it. That is unless more trees could be cleared. Goddess Jenna had forbidden such expansion however for unknown reasons and thus it had become sacred land in an official sense.

Nestled on the west edge of the village the inn JJ's Drinkery was facing one of its busiest days yet this week, the constant flow of people requiring food and drink. It remained the most popular inn despite another establishment being founded across town. This popularity came with it the need for more food and drink which helped boost the local farming economy as well. Not to mention the new need to import goods. All things its owners the Juniper's thoroughly enjoyed. The sparks inside their souls reignited further despite their advanced age.

At this very moment Jackson was busy outside dealing with a shipment of firewood as though winter was almost over they still needed to keep the place warm. He was dressed in warm clothing as the sun shone overhead in the late morning. Inside his wife and daughter were busy in the kitchen while Deliah and the other servers were kept busy bussing tables.

Miya, the High Priestess of the Goddess Jenna, was even here in the inn. She was actually in the kitchen helping with the cooking and even helped with a few orders. It was her goal to learn how to cook ever better than before, in part due to her interactions with her male counterpart Timothy's father. Thus she was here learning what she could from the best cook she knew, besides her mother of course.

The kitchen was busy with only three cooks in the kitchen, though they were quite efficient at what they did. Illena was no stranger to feeding large groups and her daughter was quite the cook herself despite only being twelve. Miya had her hands full just keeping up with the seasoned veterans of sumptuous repasts past.

Miya was currently carrying a large bowel of potatoes that she had just finished peeling, dodging through past the doorway to the kitchen as one of the servers walked in and dropped off several plates on the return table.

She squeaked barely avoiding being knocked into, lifting the bowl above her head to keep it from tumbling from her hands.

“Eep! Watch yourself there!”

The young blonde man bowed to her.

“I apologize Miya!”

Miya sighed and smiled as she lowered the bowl back in front of her chest.

“It's fine Jeremy.”

The young man was barely over sixteen and Miya couldn't stay mad at him. He worked hard and reminded her of herself. She watched as he vanished through the door and back into the main room of the inn, staring for several seconds before being snapped back to the task at hand.

“Oh!”

Quickly she turned on her heels and half skipped across the large kitchen to where Illena was standing over a large pot of stew. She then held the bowl of potatoes out slightly in front of her chest.

“I've the potatoes ready miss Juniper.”

Illena stepped back from the pot, the large metal ladle in her right hand almost brandished as a weapon. She then gave a flick of her left hand towards the pot, an almost impatient look on her face. Though this was simply due to her begin focused from the large amount of patrons.

“Well go on then dearie!” She said. “Toss them in!”

She then stood back and watched as Miya lifted up the bowl and carefully began shoveling all of the peeled potatoes into the bubbling stew. Her ladle bearing hand went down to her right hip and she shook her head at the young woman.

“He's too young for you. You've grown to be nineteen now you know Miya. While your position is no doubt important I worry what will become of you being unmarried still. Surely our goddess wouldn't forbid you from it?”

Miya finished transferring all the potatoes and placed the bowl down on the counter, her arms limply handing to her sides as she sighed.

“It's really been two years hasn't it?” She replied turning to look at the older woman. “To think I've already grown so much since Jenna arrived. To be fair and honest so much has happened since then it feels like only a moon has passed.”

Illena smiled warmly, reminiscing about her own youth. Then she turned to the pot and again began stirring the mixture within.

“Life can change in a day. Goddess Jenna has said that before many times. It is true.”

Miya had started watching the ladle in the pot, her eyes following as the chunks of food swirled around. Her mind was still wandering as she thought about her life under Jenna and if there really was a man in her future. A loud bang from the main room made her jump and her mind came back to the present. She crossed her arms in defiance.

“Jenna has not forbade me from marriage.” She said firmly. “I just been too busy to find a man worthy of my hand.”

This caused Illena to grin wide, her own eyes still focused on the pot. Her tone was quite knowing as was the look on her face.

“If you say so my dear. It will happen in time.”

Salome had been standing across the kitchen cutting bread into slices and had been listening the whole time. As the daughter of Illena she was already quite skilled in cooking at the age of only fourteen. She turned around and interjected herself into the conversation. Her mind had been focused on the subject of marriage as well.

“Jeremy isn't too young for me is he?” She asked boldly. “He's so handsome!”

Illena let out a small chuckle and turned to her daughter.

“He's too old for you Salome! You're not a fully grown woman yet.”

Salome looked down with a look of devastation on her face.

“Aww...”

Miya smiled and walked over to where the Salome was standing. She then used her left hand to caress the girl's head.

“Don't fret. Perhaps in a couple years you can try for him.”

With this encouragement Salome's mood improved and she let out a long exasperated sigh. Once the dramatic display was over she turned back to her task with the bread.

“Yes maam.”

Now that the younger cook had been cheered up Miya clapped her hands together and turned back to the door. There were still a couple plates ready to be delivered and she wanted to take one out herself.

“I think I'll take these plates out myself while the stew is cooking.” She announced.

Illela waved her hand to give permission as she began adding small plants to the pot.

“That's no problem for me Miya.”

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With permission given Miya walked over to the table when the barmaid Deliah appeared in the door. The blonde was several years older than Miya and was quite happy in her life here since Jenna had saved her from servitude.

Deliah was reaching down for the plates at the same time Miya was and stood up in surprise.

“Oh! High Priestess! Don't worry about those!”

Miya straightened herself and smiled warmly at the older woman.

“I wanted to take them out for a change of pace. Why don't we each take one? They seem to go to different tables do they not?”

There was a slight blush on Deliah's face as she was not quite used to interacting with Miya yet. She did a quick bow.

“Of course I shan't mind!”

Miya nodded. “Very good!”

The two young women then each took one of the plates and slipped through the door into the main room of the inn. It was still the same place it had always been, the large building holding many a table and chairs. There were so many people gathered around eating and drinking this winter day. Most of them appeared to be out of town though there were still many Doovlin residents here as well.

Miya took the plate of venison and greens to the table designated where a middle aged man with a thick beard was sitting with his two similar companions. He appeared to be some manner of traveling laborer and gave Miya quite the look over as she placed down his plate.

“You be quite the beautiful one young Missy!” He said. “What's your name?”

Miya smiled and gave a small courtesy and answered politely.

“Miya. I'm the high priestess for our goddess.”

The revealing of her identity made the men quite afraid and the one who had complimented Miya became afraid. He stammered as he scooted back in his chair away from her.

“O-Oh I didn't mean anything of it!” He quickly said. “S-Someone like you shouldn't be s-serving tables!”

Miya shrugged and shook her head.

“It's perfectly alright. In fact those that serve our goddess should welcome the opportunity to serve others.”

The men around the table hardly had the time to contemplate the meaning of this platitude before they were all interrupted. Suddenly a small glowing portal appeared next to one of the chairs and a small girl with golden hair stepped out of it. Her skin was literally aglow and her eyes were filled with a melancholy that could not be described with words.

Miya was just as surprised as anyone else and took a step back, her hands pressing to her chest.

“Jenna!”

Hearing her name Jenna's eyes snapped up to Miya's face before beginning to dart around the room. Her appearance was beginning to create quite the stir as patrons began looking around in confusion or fear. The villagers here would recognize her immediately and those visiting could have a myriad of reactions from panic to full blown sycophancy. Knowing this she quickly reached out and grabbed Miya's right arm.

“Come on I need to talk to you. Its important.”

Miya didn't resist and simply followed after the little goddess as she led her through the tables and towards the door to the kitchen.

“O-Ok!”

All around them the patrons had began to notice the little girl and realize who it was. In response to this the air around Jenna's head began to shimmer in a strange way that made it impossible to see her face clearly. This seemed to take the attention off them just slightly and hopefully would prevent a full blown commotion. They speed walked through the door and into the kitchen itself, the two cooks looking on in surprise and delight at the appearance of the two of them.

“Goddess!” Illena exclaimed. “What brings you here?”

Jenna did not even look at either of them as she rushed through with her head down and into the large pantry on the other end of the kitchen. Her voice was sharp but not angry as she gave a curt reply.

“Not right now.”

Miya tried to stop and reprimand Jenna for this rude behavior but stood no chance against the strength of the young goddess. This caused her to stumble forward as she was dragged into the shadows of the pantry. Once they were both inside the pantry door clapped shut and they were enveloped by darkness. That was until Miya's eyes adjusted to the dim light created by Jenna's faintly growing hair.

At this point Jenna released her godly grip on Miya's wrist and took a step backwards deeper into the small room. Miya on the other hand had a cross expression come over her face as she planted her hands on her hips.

“Now wait just a moment Jenna!” She said in a disapproving tone. “Just what is the meaning of this?”

Jenna's expression turned to one of concern and doubt as she lowered her head and began pacing around the pantry back and forth. This was a sure sign she was very worried about something and caused Miya's own mood to change to one of confusion and concern.

“There's a war now.” Jenna said quite matter of factually. “We're at war.”

Miya looked at her goddess friend in disbelief at first. But even though Jenna was known to joke around about things she would never joke about this. In addition her mannerisms were one of someone clearly actually worried about something and the goddess was notoriously bad at faking her emotions.

Miya kneeled down and grabbed hold of Jenna's shoulders, thus stopping her pacing.

“What are you talking about? What war?”

Jenna turned to face her priestess and looked directly into her eyes. There was a level of anger burning in those starry voids in addition to the vast sadness that twinkled like the stars on the surface of a endlessly deep lake.

“One of the towns near the boarder with Pheoa was attacked.” Jenna replied. “They were trying to draw me out.” There were tears forming in her eyes as she began frowning angrily. “They killed people! Said they had a weapon to kill me!”

Miya's own eyes went wide as she saw her close friend hurting in this way. The information being given was also quite a lot to take in and process and was almost overwhelming. She focused her mind in on the most important thing, that being Jenna's well being. Gently she lifted her right hand and rubbed the back of Jenna's head in a comforting manner.

“Now hold on. I'm so sorry to hear about this!” Miya smiled to try to be comforting though it was a weak smile. “I can see you've been through a lot. Will you tell me what happened?”

Jenna's frown eased up and she seemed to calm down slightly, the tearful breakdown that had been threatening her avoided for now. She lifted her left hand and rubbed it over her mouth as she took a deep breath. It was clear she was back to her strong goddess mindset.

“I put up a conversation cone.” Jenna replied. “No one can listen in on us.”

With that said Jenna began explaining everything that had happened to Miya. It would not be difficult for one listening to confuse the young goddess for an actual human child. As the explanation went on the memories of the suffering she had experienced through the deaths of others brought tears to her eyes. Then anger was roused within her as she went over the enemy combatants who went about their violent work.

Eventually the actions she had took came up and deep lingering regret overcame her as she explained how she had given control to Sub-Chan who rained down fire from heaven to eradicate her enemies. Though she could not deny that Sub-Chan was her and she was the one responsible. After that there was a glum mood about her as she went over the freeing of the remaining soldiers and the capture of the one officer.

Through all of this this Miya remained kneeling in front of her friend unafraid of the emotions of the nearly omnipotent deity that stood before her. They were close friends and she would be there to listen to Jenna regardless of who or what she was. When it was all said and the tears had been wiped away Miya pulled the little girl in to give her a tight hug.

Jenna was clearly shocked about this at first but quickly leaned in to return the embrace. It was around this human and this human alone that she felt safe enough to be human. The human she once had been.

After the huge Miya allowed Jenna to stand back up, though she kept her hands comfortingly on her friend's shoulders.

“So what do you plan to do now then?” Miya asked gently. “War is a horrible thing and I feel terrible you must oversee it. Do you want me to help in any way?”

Jenna sniffed once and looked into Miya's eyes.

“No... No. You can't be involved.” She then looked over to the wall. “I can't imagine having you on a battlefield.”

Miya sighed and finally removed her hands, using one to brace herself on her knee.

“Well thank goodness!” She said with a lighthearted smile.

This attempt to brighten the mood seemed to work to some degree as a small smile appeared on Jenna's face as well. The goddess turned back and looked into Miya's eyes.

“I'm going to handle this war by myself if I have to. And I'll do it without any more needless death too!”

“What about this goddess killing weapon though?” Miya asked with some concern.

Jenna crossed her arms across her chest in her typical haughty manner. The smug grin returning alongside her confidence.

“Oh they can bring whatever weapon they want.” She replied. “I'll deal with it don't you worry! I'm going to go talk to Barthenor about it. He's sure to know what it could be and countermeasures to it.”

Miya smiled, quite happy to see her friend starting to act like her usual self again. She exhaled while pushing herself to stand upright again. Some might feel strange or ashamed to tower so far over their goddess but she saw Jenna in a different light.

“I'm glad to hear it Jenna! I believe you shall do as you say.”

A boisterous laugh came out of Jenna's chest as glow of her hair increased in luminosity. Her mood had greatly improved and it showed in her body language as well.

“Thanks for believing in me! I'll head over to chat with the skele-man right now actually.” She then flicked her wrist and another portal appeared next to her. Her eyes locked with Miya's and she smiled happily. “Thanks for talking to me.” Then she glanced away with shame. “And um... Sorry about barging in here like that.”

Miya couldn't help but let out a laugh herself as she looked down at her powerful pint sized friend.

“I forgive you mighty goddess.” She teased.

Jenna blushed red in embarrassment and kept avoiding eye contact. She hated being called goddess by people close to her.

“Yeah yeah.” She replied. Then with a smirk. “Miss exalted high priestess.”

It was Miya's turn to have her face flush and she crossed her arms over her stomach with a playful frown.

“Aright I get it.” She then smiled again. “Be safe out there ok?”

Jenna looked up into her friend's eyes and returned the smile, her eyes sparkling brightly once again with the infinite stars within.

“You stay safe too silly! And don't hesitate to call if you need me.”

With these parting words said Jenna stepped through the portal, the golden gate snapping shut behind her.

With its light gone Miya was left alone in the darkness of the pantry. She turned around and fumbled with the door for a moment before finding the handle. With a happy sigh she pulled the door open and prepared herself to step back out into the kitchen. The conversation she had just had was quite a lot to mentally handle but she had all faith in Jenna. War was here. But so was her goddess.