“So, you see…” Kulao smiled politely. “You are no longer connected at a universal level, therefore, even if by some miracle you were to meet him again in another form, the edges of your fates are frayed. He would just slip right through your fingers. Oh, that’s not to say I believe you are destined to be alone forever! No, no! Far from it! Most gods, over the course of their lives, have multiple partners! Love is still a beautiful thing, Solis, even without him. Don’t give up.”

Solis looked at the god before him, and wondered if he truly believed that.

“How can love be something beautiful when it has taken everything from me?”

Kulao was silent for a long time, and then began to steer the boat back to shore.

“Ah, are you attending the banquet at Killera this evening? It should be quite the spectacle. Perhaps, we could continue our conversation then? As of now, I’m afraid I must return to my Chorus to prepare. Will you…”

Solis knew what someone trying to flee a conversation looked like. He wanted to grab Kulao and demand more answers, demand to know why the other gods deemed his love inferior. Why they had taken every chance away from him to find his Prince again. Instead-

“Yes,” Solis says. “I will be there. Thank you.”

He returns to Ruewreath feeling exhausted and more angry than he’s felt in a long time. Centuries. Is he upset with himself? For bothering to dredge this up and go searching for answers in the first place? Angry at the gods? Surely, not all of them agreed to take his love away from him forever. Not Prentis. He wouldn’t. Would he?

Solis found his host in the forest on his way into Ruewreath. The man smiled and asked how his afternoon was. Solis didn’t know what to say, so he just said “fine” and then hurried away.

Prentis knocked on the door to his bedroom moments later, finding the god of stars in a messy sprawl on the floor, his unseeing eyes fixed on the ceiling as he wept silently.

“Oh, Solis… come here, sweetheart. Off the floor-“

Prentis sat him on the bed, perched beside him, and handed him a handkerchief while he patted his back.

Solis wiped his tears away and stared at his feet, feeling numb and wishing he was back in prison because at least there he didn’t even have the option of finding out the truth. The truth was painful. He wished he didn’t know.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Prentis asked softly.

Solis just shook his head and pouted.

“Alright. Would it be alright if I took your mind off whatever it is?”

Solis blinked wet eyes at the god and said desperately; “How?”

Prentis gave his knee a little pat and then floated over to his wardrobe. Solis wore basically the same thing everyday; traditional, plain white robes and a simple sash. They were comfortable and served their purpose. After all, who did he have to impress anymore with something more ornate?

Prentis searched through the barely used closet and muttered under his breath, finally exclaiming with a little “ha!” And producing a bundle of cream and citrine colored robes with real gold details. It was fit for a king, a man rich in both wealth and happiness… a well respected god. Solis was none of these things.

Prentis was giving him a soft look. It reminded Solis of the way he felt about tiny woodland creatures in The Mortal Realm. This little thing, so innocent-

Solis felt like the last thing he wanted was to attend a banquet with the other gods, especially in Killera, but with the attention finally shifted away from him he should probably just go and not make a social pariah out of himself.

The god took the robes from Prentis with a grateful nod and what must be a grimace instead of a smile, because his friend chuckles softly and squeezes his shoulder before he leaves.

“Don’t worry, Solis. I’ll be there the entire time, and we can always leave early. No one will mind.”

Solis desperately hoped that was true.

Killera, as always, had spared no expense. Why would they, with the god of wealth as their patron? Solis and Prentis entered the event with Aeris’ entire Chorus to announce them.

The palace was enormous, and the opulence carried them through the halls and into a grand foyer where the majority of the gods were already in attendance. Solis saw several silk-draped chairs around a long table in the middle of the room. Delicacies from every corner of The Mortal Realm were placed upon it for the gods’ amusement, and on a pedestal in the corner of the marble room, part of Caishen’s chorus sat and played instruments of both human and heavenly creation.

It was as shallow as Solis expected.

Prentis was apparently good friends with many of the gods whom Solis had barely met, so he began introducing them and including Solis in their conversations as they mingled and chatted.

Solis was trying to remember everyone’s names and at the same time not forget his own, when the announcement for the last god was made and once they were all present, Aeris, with Caishen by his side as usual, called for everyone to be seated.

Solis sat beside Prentis and the god of history and literature. He’d probably have to ask his name again later, like an idiot…

“Welcome, everyone!” Caishen began, his smile giving nothing away. “We are honored to host you today in Killera, and hope everything is to your satisfaction. With that said, I believe Aeris has a few things to announce before we get started.”

Aeris stood, at the head of the table, and Solis stared at him unblinking. If the gods truly did agree together to sever his fate with Cyndras, Aeris must have been a deciding factor. Who, at this table, would disobey the god of war? Who, besides Solis…

Aeris’ voice was friendly and even as he spoke to the room.

“As most of you know, The Mortal Realm is currently entering a new era, and with it will come a new wave of knowledge, invention, and discovery. After much consideration, I have decided to assign a few envoys to The Mortal Realm to oversee and aid the humans in this important process. Their understanding of both math and science is paramount to their ability to comprehend the world they live in, so with that in mind, Metir and I have spoken and agreed that he will have continuous contact with the humans to facilitate their growth. Solis, I do not believe we have had a chance to speak yet, but I would also like for you to descend and oversee the mortals’ understanding of astronomy and celestial navigation. Our banquet today is to mark this occasion, as our realm is deeply affected by the mortal world, and as we prosper, so do they flourish. Thank you everyone, and please, enjoy!”

Solis heard conversations start up again and the clatter of dishes and silverware, but all he could do was sit there in silence and try not to scream.

What double standard was this?!

Centuries ago, the gods, with Aeris leading them, had rallied to remove him from The Mortal Realm by force, and now? Now… they were sending him back? Just like that?!

Solis couldn’t help but feel it was incredibly unfair. Since when was he a second-class deity?! Just because he was young didn’t mean he didn’t deserve to be treated with respect, and have the freedom to make his own choices. Why did the gods get to decide where he went and who he loved? Why did they get to decide his fate?

Then, Solis wondered if this was perhaps how the mortals felt when they prayed, believing there were beings in the Heavens that had the power to arbitrarily determine the course of their lives.

It was terribly aggravating.

Solis wanted to whisper to Prentis and tell him he wasn’t feeling well and needed to go back, but to his surprise and annoyance, the others began coaxing him into conversations with them across the table, and despite everything Solis still didn’t want to be rude, so…

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Yes. I am enjoying my time in Ruewreath, thank you for asking.”

The god of history, Metir, apparently, smiled at his response. Solis wasn’t surprised to see him here, since he knew the man was close friends with Prentis, as well as Kulao. He was, however, surprised to see the god’s sister. Sichor, the goddess of beauty and music, was ice-cold and looked like stone. Solis could never understand how she and the smiling man sitting next to him were twins; gods born on the same day. They were completely unalike.

“I am happy to hear that,” Prentis chuckled wryly. “It has been many years since I've had a houseguest, and I believe my humble abode was not quite up to their standards.”

“Oh, button it, would you? I already apologized to your Chorus and besides, it was over two-hundred years ago. We’ve all agreed no grudges are to be held after the second century!”

Solis stared across the table at the god who spoke. The man was glaring playfully at Prentis. He’d seen him many times, spoken to him maybe never, but had already formed a concrete opinion as to his personality and wit.

Euthos lowered his wine glass to grin directly at him, and Solis shifted uncomfortably in his chair. The god of games and mischief was a raucous sort, the kind you might laugh at in public but scorn in your mind. Solis was actively trying not to gain his attention this evening, but it seemed he was just about out of luck…

“Oi, you there! God of Stars, what’s the matter with you? Looks like you’ve got a fire lit under your ass hahaha-”

Everyone at the table collectively sighed.

A few centuries and a lifetime ago, Solis might have said; No? I do not. Now, he simply gave Euthos a patient smile and muttered-

“It is nice to meet you.”

The god threw his head back and laughed, nearly tipping out of his seat. When he was level again he huffed and the sharp glint in his eyes convinced Solis he was about to be truly regretful he hadn’t just stayed home.

“Wait until the third round of drinks,” Euthos winked. “Then you’ll really meet me!”

It turned out that Solis wouldn’t have to wait long. Of the twelve gods in The Heavenly Realm, there were only two missing; Leviathan, for obvious reasons such as he shunned everyone else, and Inyaga, the god of beasts, who, according to rumors, was little more than a beast himself. With ten gods sitting in a great hall, it wasn’t long before sparks flew. Literally.

“Say that to my face, you blubbering drunk!”

Euthos rolled his eyes at Tstovin, who had jumped entirely on top of the table at some point and was now threatening the other god with his heavenly spear. Electricity crackled in the air and Solis felt his hair standing on end as Tstovin’s anger grew.

“Very well-”

Euthos launched out of his seat and began circling the table, waving his arms and singing like a lunatic;

“OUR GREAT GODDESS OF THE SEA HAS YET TO LOSE HER VIR-GIN-I-TY!”

“Solis,” Prentis put a hand on his shoulder. “You should probably duck.”

Veins bulged on Tstovin’s forehead as he seethed and lashed out, an arc of lightning soaring over their heads. Before his strike could land, it was easily dispelled by a burst of energy from Caishen. He glared at the two troublemakers and gestured pointedly at the door.

“Behave, or I’ll send you to Khalkeus’ dungeon. Again.”

Euthos cackled, holding his stomach. “Oh! Yes, please! Missy, do you still have room for the likes of me in your, ahem… dungeon??”

Solis disliked Euthos immensely, but was mollified by Khalkeus’ response. The goddess hummed softly, expression bland as she said-

“I have room for you in a vat of boiling water.”

Euthos snickered, plopping back down at his seat and putting his hands behind his head.

“Promises, promises…”

Before anything else could start, or Euthos could offend someone else, a member of Aeris’ Chorus came in and whispered to his god. Solis watched the man’s expression shift slightly, from neutral to slightly impatient, but he adjusted quickly and stood.

“Forgive me, everyone, but I must see to something urgently. Please, feel free to stay. I will return as soon as matters are settled. Caishen, if you would follow me?”

The two of them left swiftly, and from there the mood of the room drifted into a quiet lull, the conversation no longer shadowed by the two most powerful gods’ impressive and slightly stifling auras.

Solis relaxed with an audible sigh, and beside him he heard Metir chuckle.

“Well, it’s about time!” Euthos slurred, half-collapsed on the table as his gaze fell on Solis again.

“Say, God of Stars, what is it you know about the ins and outs of The Heavenly Realm? Gossip? Dirty secrets?!”

Solis shook his head. He knew nothing.

Euthos’ grin was sharper than flint, but before he could start up again Kulao yanked him back into a proper sitting position and sighed.

“If you’re going to spread rumors, you should at least be sure they’re based in fact. None of your sugarcoating, fiend. Tell the story right, or do not tell it at all.”

Euthos stuck his tongue out but giggled and began to wave his hands again. It appeared it was physically impossible for him to sit still.

“Alright, everyone’s already heard most of this before, but in respect for our newest little brother, I will say it all again!”

Solis heard Prentis sigh and saw him reach for his drink.

“Here we go…”

“So,” Euthos grinned. “Back in the day, and I mean way back, like before most of us were spat out of that big blue rock, Caishen was the goddess of wealth, and Aeris was her secret lover! Juicy, I know! So, how did the Heavenly Couple end up like this, you ask? Hah! Well, after Caishen had Aeris’ child, she discovered to her horror that the god of war and peace did not truly feel the way she did, claiming it was only a simple affair. There was a lot of back and forth then, but it’s rumored that they had plans to toss the baby into The Mortal Realm and cut all ties with it! So scandalous!! Well, word got out about the child, and it was right at the start of Aeris’ powergrab, so I’m sure you can only imagine! They were forced to keep the baby, but Caishen sent it off to Aeris’ Seraphs to be raised and trained alongside them, and shortly after, she became a he and the two of them never spoke of their affair ever again! They say that Caishen was so embarrassed by the whole ordeal that she could never look him in the eyes after that, and now, the god of wealth has settled for a place at Aeris’ side, as a business partner instead of a lover. Truly, who could have imagined?! No wonder Caishen works so hard, he must fear the day that Aeris decides he doesn’t want him around at all!”

Solis was wide-eyed but the other gods just frowned and looked away. It was just so sad! Why had Aeris not reciprocated Caishen’s love? And, now they could only dance around each other like this, never really saying what they mean? It was too much. Solis felt unhappy imagining it, and remembering all the times he’d seen firsthand how Caishen answered the second Aeris called. Too cruel…

Then Solis thought some more, and before he could think better of it, he asked out loud;

“What happened to the baby?”

“Well, you see-”

Before Euthos could start up again, Caishen and Aeris returned, this time with a different Seraph than before. Solis vaguely recalled seeing him around, but wasn’t sure if he was misremembering. Many of them looked the same.

Everyone around the table bit their tongues and silently prayed that they weren’t about to be scolded by the oldest gods in existence, but then Aeris and Caishen sat again and the god of war beckoned his Seraph to stand closer. The man bowed his head, one hand behind his back and another, as always, fastened around the blade as his side.

Solis wondered what the business the two gods had to attend to was about…

“Thank you for your patience, everyone.” Aeris hummed, “As I said before, the envoy mission to The Mortal Realm will proceed as soon as possible. Metir, my understanding is that you will be working mostly in the southernmost region, and Solis, the north. Solis, since you are not yet accustomed to a mission of this kind and duration, I have asked my most trusted Seraph to accompany you and be your guard. He will also report back to The Heavenly Realm on your progress, so you need not worry about that. You three will depart immediately, any questions?”

Solis wanted to hide behind Prentis’ shoulder or climb under the table and cry, but he could not. A Seraph to guard him, of course… Aeris wasn’t doing him any favors, he was making sure Solis didn’t disobey again. There would be eyes on him at all times for the foreseeable future, and Solis couldn’t bear the thought of what they would see.

He glanced up at the Seraph again, noting his bowed head and cold expression. Something tugged at the back of Solis’ mind, but he ignored it. This was fine, he could make friends with this scary person and maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to return to The Mortal Realm if he wasn’t alone.

Solis swallowed anxiously and forced himself to rise. He could feel all the gods watching him closely as he circled the table to stand before the Seraph. Dressed in the red and gold that all Seraphim wore in Killera, he cut an imposing figure, but Solis saw the flicker of surprise in the man’s eyes when he approached him and held out his hand. He thought, perhaps that was a good start.

“Hello, my name is Solis. Thank you for accompanying me on this mission, mister…?”

The Seraph didn’t speak, nor look up, but he did eye the god’s hand warily. Solis felt embarrassment creep up on him, but he was saved when Aeris gave a firm nod in the other man’s direction and he felt the Seraph let out a soft breath.

“Iphis.” The man said, “I am at your service.”

Solis caught the amused smile on Aeris’ face and the tight-lipped frown on Caishen’s. Oh, he frowned a bit sadly… so, this is the child?

“Good luck down there.” Prentis smiled, hugging Solis once more before they left.

The god’s eyes watered and he wished he was capable of thanking the other man in a more meaningful way, but he could only nod and try his best to smile back.

“You will be alright, Solis.” His friend said, “But, don’t forget, you won’t be alone.”

The warning in Prentis’ words was clear, and as Solis left with Iphis and Metir to The Ether’s Gate which would take them to The Mortal Realm, he reminded himself once again of the truth.

I truly cannot trust anyone. And, when mortal, I should never trust myself.