Crimson and Gold

For the next couple of days, the capital lived and breathed the news of the sudden explosion and the death of the official and his wife, leaving their little daughter an orphan.

The Emperor ordered a thorough investigation of this matter, but as days went by, no new information was presented to the public.

Eventually, the gossip started dying out, and people moved back to their usual rhythm.

During that time, Saria went through a quick recovery, resulting from her natural ability to heal from injuries and Lysandra’s impressive alchemy skills.

Thanks to that, they were able to delay their visit to the Temple by only two days.

On the third, Lysandra and Saria got into the carriage and set out to, located three hours away, Nivelis.

“Are you sure you’re feeling alright? We can always wait one more day.” Lysandra studied Saria sitting in front of her with a serious expression.

She still had a hard time believing just how fast she recovered from injuries so severe.

When asked, Saria only mentioned that ‘she may not heal as fast as a shapeshifter, but it happens fast nonetheless’.

“I’m sure. I’m feeling perfectly fine. I want to know what happened to me,” Saria answered.

Nivelis wasn’t a big city, but due to the famous Temple of Astesis, it was a destination of many pilgrims, so the streets were no less busy than the capital itself.

Saria felt it took the carriage longer to get from the gates of the city to the center than it did to go from Aervelis to Nivelis.

After an excruciatingly long and slow ride, they did eventually arrive at the foot of the hill where the Temple was located.

It was a sight to behold.

A tall colonnade with intricate carvings on its surface surrounded the limestone structure. Walking up the long staircase, they had a good view of the gilded pediment.

The intricate sculptures depicting the Goddess watching the night sky were decorated with a dark blue moonstone.

The grand interior was filled with paintings and statues. A faint scent of sage incense filled the air.

Saria pointed towards the tallest aurelianite sculpture placed at the center of the main hall. “I’m guessing this is Astesis?”

“Correct. Astesis, the Patron Goddess of sky, stars, and mercy,” Lysandra explained.

Her gaze swept around the intricate details of the sculpture.

No matter how many times she saw it, she couldn’t help feeling impressed with the craftsmanship that made her seem almost alive.

“Then who’s that?” Saria pointed towards another statue to the right of the Goddess.

“That’s Laurentina, the Goddess of hunt, archery…” she looked at Saria then with a confident smile added, “and love.”

Saria felt a bit confused. “Why is there a statue of another goddess in here?”

Normally, the dedicated temples would host only one god or goddess as a sign of respect.

Lysandra moved closer, mischief dancing in her golden eyes. “It’s because they are lovers.”

Everyone worshiping the Aelian pantheon of Elven Gods knew the story about the love between the two goddesses.

According to the legend, Laurentina was a part of a terrible cult devoted to the Dark.

Its members were known to be ruthless and cruel and had a burning hatred towards the Elven Gods.

They sowed fear in the hearts of men and gods alike, as there was nothing they would consider sacred.

They destroyed temples, killed priests, burned entire villages, and would even go as far as attempting to kill a god.

Their choice fell on Astesis, the gentlest and most merciful of all. The reason for it was simple. They just wanted to make it as shocking as possible to induce even more fear.

Laurentina, being the strongest and most capable of all warriors in the cult, was chosen to be the one who delivered death to Astesis.

However, the moment she stood before the Goddess, she couldn’t bring herself to end her life. She became mesmerized by her during the time the two spent together.

They spent many days talking about everything. About the cult, about its goals, and their life. The patience and gentleness Astesis showed to Laurentina captured her heart, and soon she realized that she had fallen in love with her.

Nevertheless, she knew that the cult would never let it go. They would never see Astesis the way Laurentina saw her, so to protect the one she loved, she decided to destroy her former clan.

One by one, she hunted them down and killed them.

Eventually, only one was left. The cult’s leader. Someone who was like a father to her and the only person able to match her prowess.

The fight was long and very even. The skills of both warriors mirrored each other. It was an even trade. Wound for wound. Blood for blood.

Finally, Laurentina pushed her abilities beyond their limits, and she managed to deal a deadly blow to the leader.

Unfortunately, she didn’t come out unharmed.

With his dying breath, the man who was once like a father to her unleashed a terrible curse upon Laurentina. The hatred he felt was so strong that he couldn’t let her enjoy her life in peace. Not even in the afterlife.

The effects of the spell were horrifying.

It not only destroyed Laurentina’s living flesh but also shattered her soul into pieces so small that all that was left was a speck of dust.

Without a soul, she wasn’t able to live after death in the Elysian Fields. She simply turned to nothingness.

A True Death.

After a long search, Astesis managed to find the only piece of Laurentina’s soul and kept it with her.

Every day, she would pour every last bit of her love into this tiny piece, hoping that one day it would bring her lover back.

To everyone’s surprise, it did.

Every day, the affection Astesis showed nourished the growth of Laurentina’s soul. Eventually, what was once nothing more than a speck of dust turned into the woman she loved.

Since then, Laurentina became the Patron Goddess of hunt and love, taking the place beside Astesis on the throne of gold in the Elysian Fields.

Lysandra’s gaze lingered on the statues before them. Her mind seemed to drift, chasing a thought she had.

“Can you imagine?” she said at last, “Loving someone so greatly that it defies the very core of our existence?” Her hand traced the smooth surface of the statue. The gesture was gentle, but carried a faint sense of melancholy.

Saria didn’t answer.

Love was a foreign concept to her. She didn’t remember ever loving anyone, and seeing what her body was capable of, she wasn’t sure if it was even possible for her to love.

How could someone capable of such destruction be able to love? How could someone with a heart so blackened harbor feelings so pure?

“My Lady is very pleased to see that you still remember the legend.” A woman suddenly came out from behind the statue.

Despite her young appearance, she was wearing the distinctive robes of a high priestess—a gilded toga with religious embroidery. Her black locks were gathered in a loose bun at the back of her head, with a few strands casually flowing down her slim shoulders.

Her eyes were hidden under a crown-like mask. Its ornaments spread like a halo over her head, decorated with symbols of stars and the sky.

“How could I forget? It’s my favorite story,” Lysandra laughed, then welcomed the woman, “Asteria. Thank you for accepting us.”

“Of course,” the Oracle reciprocated the gesture, then turned to Saria, “I’m guessing, she’s the one you mentioned in the message?”

“Yes. This is Saria.”

Asteria ‘stared’ at Saria for a moment, making her feel somewhat uncomfortable. She had a feeling that, despite the covered eyes, the Oracle could see more than anyone could imagine.

“Fascinating,” Asteria eventually said. “Let us not linger here. Come with me,” she said and led them deep into the Temple.

When they entered the small chamber at the back of the building, the refreshing scent of white sage immediately surrounded them.

Aside from incense lined up in rows around the round walls of the room and a soft rug with pillows on the floor, there wasn’t much in terms of furniture.

“Lie down,” the Oracle pointed at the spot.

Saria hesitated, but seeing that Lysandra gave her an encouraging nod, she obediently listened.

Asteria sat on her shins above Saria’s head.

“First, I’m going to examine your memories to see what can be done. After that, we will decide on how to proceed,” the Oracle explained, “Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“We will begin. Try to relax and keep your thoughts open to me. Are you ready?”

Saria gave her a nod. “I’m ready.”

She felt a gentle touch and warmth on both of her temples as Asteria rested her palms against them.

“Close your eyes,” she ordered calmly.

Saria listened.

Darkness enveloped her, and before she realized, she was falling down the blackest void…