Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lady winter closed her star pooled eyes. The perpetually ice burn at the front of her head was usually ignorable enough. But whenever Night pestered her into playing chess it would flare up and distract her from focusing.

Twilight, her beloved, was sitting nearby waiting for his kettle of tea to brew over a small contained fire. While he waited patiently he flicked through an old tome that a pilgrim must’ve left behind, maybe an offering. Winter hardly paid attention to what they offered then, or now. The pages seemed crumpled and warped, maybe it was left by the waterfall. If it had been an offering, Winter would've turned their nose at it.

Usually it was Twilight subjected to Night’s pointless activities. Often he would get dragged in by their childish games because supposedly they were ‘Bored’. She and Twilight let Night keep the pretence up that they weren't lonely or anything, just bored. Twilight also suspected they tried to find things to fill up their time so they wouldn't only have mortal dreams to focus on. Maybe if she tried, she could scrounge up some pity for them but that was more effort than it was worth. For now she would just graciously indulge in their human games occasionally.

They had been living in the mountain for... She had lost count how many years it had been. Selene had always been the one with the knack for keeping track of time. Winter not as much, the days all blended in over enough time. The mountain wasn't exactly what you would call 'sophisticated living'. She'd never admit it, but even the human royals had nicer living arrangements then they did. She could remember a time when everything and everywhere was just in reach of her clawed hands. Now they were cooped up in these damp corridors and caves of the Edar mountains. Technically Frazei mountains if she cared about human borders.

When pilgrims still passed through here, they would give offerings to the gods in hopes they would hear their pleas. At the time Lady Winter would barely spare them a thought and would ignore the little trinkets and useless bits or bobs. Now that they had little to occupy themselves, it was somewhat of a lifeline. Not to say she enjoyed playing these games with Night. But they did pass the time, which was appreciated on some level.

She opened her eyes again and peered down at the board. Flicking her wrist, one of the game pieces moved forward as she lazily stated her move: “Knight to D-5”

Night was playing with their hair, zoning out for the last five minutes while she took her turn. They snapped back into reality and straightened their posture. After replaying what she said, Night stared back at Winter.

“Knight? This is Root-Fang.” If they weren’t experienced with Lady Winter’s temper, they might’ve made the mistake to smirk. Night knew better then to show superiority over She Who Commands the Frozen Paths.

Either way Winter’s temper wouldn’t be soothed no matter how gentle Night spoke to them. That fact immediately proved when the freezing temperature dropped at least 30 degrees.

The two other gods in the cavern snapped their heads up when Lady Winter flipped the board, “I don’t have time for human games!” She hissed and collected up the train of her dress patterned with rotting trees. Still cursing, she stormed out with a flourish of dramatics she so secretly enjoyed.

Night frowned while Twilight scrambled to his feet and chased after her calling out various disgustingly sugar-coated nicknames. Leaving Night to pick up the pieces and cards left scattered around.

“We have nothing but time…” Night muttered sourly to themselves

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After much soothing, some hair braiding and a carefully crafted compliment here or there, Twilight calmed his companion enough for the mountain temperature to return to the typical chill. Lady Winter still refused to talk to Night for a month after that, even after she had been persuaded out of using Night’s heart for a game of tennis.

Twilight didn’t talk much to Night either in that time of silence. It was better than risking her wrath to be directed to both of them. Again, without anyone to keep company with, Night returned to their pool of water outside the temple. A slumped posture kept upright with their fist. Legs dangled in the water with their dress spooling out over their boulder and dipping into the water. Every so often they skipped stones into the water and watched them sink, hoping they would sink down to Selene and they would know it was from Night.

They didn't communicate much nowadays. It was just too painful. Seleane still needed to know though, know Night thought of her. Know that they still wept for her after all this time.

It would be impossible not to be reminded of her every day. Their very domain, this lake, was first crafted by Nights tears when Selene was trapped underneath in that sphere of ice. Her prison lay just beneath the water, a taunt tugging at them every moment.

If only they had done something more. Protested his creator Lady Winter or advised Selene against trusting that obnoxious spring goddess. What made them feel guiltiest of all was how weak they were. They couldn't even work up the courage to face her.

The longer they waited, the harder it would be to make up excuses for not seeing her all this time.

Even if they couldn't physically touch, they could've still talked. But Night was too cowardly to face them after the war between Edar and Fazeri's old kingdoms.

They still clung to the hope that maybe when Winter's chosen one arrived, and they set Selene free, they would just be able to pick up where they left off like nothing happened.

Selene was the younger one of the pair of gods, and usually considered naiver by humans and her parents. Only Night knew it was them who was the naive one.

Chapter Text

It had been just over a month since Emri came to live in Edar with her new mothers.

Everyone was tired.

After an hour or two of coaxing and reassuring that she’d still be there in the morning, Xania managed to get Emri to sleep. Or at least lie in bed and pretend to sleep which was all she and Lia could hope for at this point.

Xania still walked through the palace silently, old habits from being a spymaster die hard. In their room, Lia had been up waiting for her wife. The term 'wife' still made Xania's heart flutter. Lia sat by her dresser brushing out her hair. A lady in waiting would’ve brushed it out for her already so there was no need for her to do it herself. But since Goldenmarch she’s picked up a lot of repetitive patterns. Hair brushing, rubbing circles into her palm, smoothing out her dresses, they seemed to soothe her.

“Love?” Xania spoke evenly when opening the doors. Now that Lia returned, Xania softened her voice on instinct when talking with her. Sometimes she worried if it was patronising, but it was preferable to the risk of startling her.

Lia didn’t flinch as she had seen Xania through the mirror on top of her dresser. Her shoulders dropped in relief as she placed the brush down.

“How did it go?” Lia rose and joined Xania in bed. The sheets rustled as they adjusted to a comfortable position.

“It took about 4 stories and a song. I think she’s improving,” Xania silently offered to wrap her arms around Lia, waiting for a sign of acknowledgement. Lia nodded, giving her permission.

“That’s better than it was a month ago. She’s still not sleeping through the night is she?” Lia sighed. She ran her fingers through Xania’s curls with a thoughtful expression. One of Xania's guilty pleasures was watching Lia while she was thinking.

“No.” -Xania confirmed with a frown- “She still won’t tell me what the nightmares are about.”

They fell into a quiet lull for a few minutes. Both of them stared up at the ceiling.

“Is it something we’re doing?” Lia whispered.

Xania wished she had an answer.

She couldn’t just let the question hang in the air however, so she whispered back: “I’m not sure. I can only guess it has something to do with Arisane.”

Neither of them wanted to think about the possibilities of what Emri’s childhood before Edar could've been like. They couldn’t exactly ignore it either. Arisane, and her son taunted their every waking moment and dreams. Only Emri and those at Saphirun could say what really happened there. Afterall, they only had a hunch that something went wrong when Emri was under Arisane's care. No evidence, no testimonies, just hunches. They can't exactly convict an abdicated queen on a hunch. Especially one who Xania made such a delicate agreement with. If they wanted answers, they'd have to get Isra to send in spies to Saphirun. But it was late, they needed some sleep. Not to be kept up worrying and planning.

“We can’t do anything about it until Emri comes to us. For now, we should just try and make her as comfortable as we can. Make her realise she’s safe with us” Xania was assuring Lia as much as herself.

Lia didn’t respond for a while. Her eyes transfixed on Xania’s lips as she breathed.

Lia smiled. Xania caught the fleeting moment, and her heart swelled.

“You’re right,” Lia kissed Xania, a chaste simple kiss. It still amazed Xania they had gotten this far. They could keep going. Lia survived, and was recovering. They were both queens and had a child. Xania’s family and Matthias were safe, they were all safe and by her side. It was more than Xania could’ve hoped for.

They had time now, time for each other. Time to reveal a new better Edar from the rubble of the last king, Lia's uncle.

They fell asleep with their fingers intertwined in the other’s hair.

Chapter Text

Zola could barely believe it. A princess of Eshvon wanted to hear her viola playing? She had heard Princess Isra appreciates music. But Zola? Playing for a princess? Zola and her sister had grown up learning to play, and in normal circumstances she would say she was fairly competent. The royal orchestra let her practise with them, that was certainly an ego boost.

Now that she actually had to perform, all that confidence was thrown out the window. Isra had insisted upon it quite eagerly which was bizarre to Zola. If she wanted to see the heights of Edar’s musical expertise, there were much older and more experienced players to ask.

When Isra asked Zola to perform, she was this close to dropping her jaw on the floor. That would’ve been quite impolite. And she knew better than to question a princess. So she gathered what courage she had left and nodded. Using her voice would’ve been too much to handle at the time. At least she wasn’t required to sing for Isra.

What was worse is it wasn’t just for Isra, she had to perform for a whole crowd. A crowd of expectant nobles and royals with much too high expectations of a 16 year old. Mama taught Zola how to keep her head on straight, and keep composure around higher steps. She could handle this. It was just like playing with Xania and Papa when she was younger.

But the queen will be watching. And so will the heirs of Farezi and Othayria. If she messed this up, she was most terrified of what her mother might do. Not even Xania would be a comforting source at the performance. She was the queens lady-in-waiting, how embarrassing would it be if her younger sister failed a performance in front of all these royals?

Zola could do it.

As long as she didn’t make herself sick before the performance by tying herself up in knots.

All she had left was to pray to Lady Winter

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All eyes were on her. It was more terrifying than she had imagined.

Just as Mama taught her, Zola kept her face neutral and calm. It was a shield in a sense.

Mama had also given her this dress, it was simple but elegant enough for a fifth step daughter performing in front of royal family members. Nothing too flashy in a warm yellow dress that thankfully hid her shaking knees.

Knowing full well if she met anyone’s eyes she’d collapse right there, she made the risky choice of playing with her eyes closed. The piece had been practised for hours everyday the last week, and before that she had practised it in the royal orchestra for years. When playing for mama and her stepfather, she bragged about playing with her eyes closed. Now it wasn’t so much of a brag, but an effort to keep herself stable.

The princess was sitting right there in front of her. Zola’s breath was caught when she saw just a glimpse of her dress before closing her eyes.

Without much flourish, she lifted her viola and played.

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“What a performance. Your family must be proud.” Isra stirred 2 sugar cubes around in her tea.

“Princess Isra, you flatter me.” Zola deflected the complement and was still bowing at the door.

Her legs were shaking again as she tried to keep the position. Waiting for Isra to permit her to rise. She wasn’t sure if Isra talking to her was enough permission to stand or if she needed something more explicit.

“Relax, you seem tense. We’re just having tea. You can drop the formality” Isra offered a smile paired with sliding a tea cup over to Zola. “How do you take your tea?” She asked.

Hesitantly, Zola followed orders and sat across from Isra. The couches were plush, a velvet maroon colour. Isra had invited Zola back to her room in the palace. Another shock tonight. Zola doubted she could ‘drop the formality’ completely even if she wanted to.

The room was quite inviting, warm-toned tapestries and bookshelves reaching the ceiling. Zola almost relaxed before remembering she had to speak.

“Ah 3 sugars.” -She replied- “I do hope my performance was to your liking.”

“Oh it was wonderful. Such a sad but soft melody. How long have you played for?” Isra plopped the sugar cubes into her tea. Plop, plop, plop.

“Since I was a child, princess” Zola thanked her for the tea but didn’t drink it immediately. She was nervous her shaky hands might spill it on her dress. It was practically brand new, she couldn’t stain it.

Isra drank with no signs of worry. Despite her dress probably being nearly triple the price of Zola’s.

“During the performance, your eyes were closed. Do you often close your eyes when playing?”

Was she impressed? Oh twilight, she had impressed a princess.

“Sometimes. It helps me focus.” Not a lie to Zola’s credit, even if it wasn’t the full truth.

Hairs on Zola’s arms stood up when Isra hummed. Her voice was so captivating. Daydreams of Isra singing alongside Zola’s viola flooded her head. Now wasn’t the time to think of such childish wishes. So she pushed them away to focus all her attention on keeping her tea steady.

Conversation was polite, maybe more than what Zola expected a princess would tell her. They shared memories of siblings, Isra talked of the gardens back in the Esvhon palace. So Zola shared about her father’s old rose gardens. They agreed to go visit them sometime much to Zola’s confused delight.

Was conversation easy? No. The entire time her shoulders were stiff and her hands were tucked under her legs when she wasn't drinking.

Was the conversation enjoyable? Zola couldn’t even begin to describe.

Before either of them knew it, the tea had gone cold and Zola’s eyes were beginning to droop.

“Perhaps we should continue this another time?” Isra offered Zola an escape.

Zola took it: “Oh yes it is getting quite late is it not? Mama will worry where I have been. It’s been wonderful talking with you.” She nodded and for a moment, hesitated to stand. Surprising herself that she didn’t want to leave just yet.

Common sense prevailed and she excused herself, bowed, and left. Rushing down the corridors as politely as a lady could, Zola was thankful no one was in the hallways to see her flushed face.

If Xania learned of her behaviour tonight, she would surely never live it down.

Chapter Text

A week. In a week Theobilt would come face to face with Emri’s mothers and present himself. Only a few months after Emri, Gabi and Melisande had been trapped up in the Fazeri mountains. Too much has happened since then, and Theo was barely keeping up with it all.

For right now, he would push aside the worries of magic and gods returning to the land. Which seemed ridiculous, that should be everyone's priority right now. For a while people were discussing it, now it was briefly bookmarked for a more convenient time. As if the gods would wait for when it was most convenient for us to show themselves. Instead he was preparing to depart to Edar to meet Emri’s parents. He couldn’t exactly say ‘His betrothed’s parents’ because no contract had been signed yet. Everyone knew though, it would be a disaster if the engagement conversations broke off again.

Regardless, he would have to see Queen Aurelia and Queen Xania, just the thought makes his stomach drop. He only had rumours and stories to go off on, but he was certain just their presence would make his knees wobble.

Theo kept his word to Emri, when he returned home to Othayria, he slept for nearly 17 hours. When he woke, he was gratefully given ample time to read and spend time with his family. They were more than understanding he needed some time to recuperate, even if they could never quite understand how the experience in the temple affected him.

That conversation he had with Emri, after they saw his memory in the cave. He still flushed at the idea she knew he drew her. Maybe when he visited Edar, she’d let him draw her again. Emri did say he had the permission to, but it still felt too… Intimate.

Something that intimate, he liked the idea and was nervous about it. There were so many things that could go wrong. She might decline the offer, or if she did accept then she might dislike his art. Her parents might find him to be overzealous.

Fall was creeping up, the season of Othayria’s god Hatar. The air was crisp and the skies were clear, a perfectly suitable day for a ride. Out on the hills by the palace, Theo was lying on the grass while his horse was tied to a tree nibbling on some grass. Theo had the whole afternoon to let his mind wander and worries fester.

Another worry he was reminded of when looking at the leaves turning vibrant yellows, browns and reds. Hatar and the other gods. No one had seen them. Yet they were undeniably back. It was in the air even. He had tried to describe the feeling but it didn’t quite fit. Words weren’t his strong suit. A vaguely tingling feeling on his skin, an almost charged sense in the air. It wasn’t just him who felt it, but no one else could describe it either.

Before the Fazeri temple, if someone told Theobilt that gods and magic had just been dormant for hundreds of years and now they would be freed, he’d have thought they’d seen a play recently and were just being over-theatrical. His relation with the gods was fairly laxed before all this. Sure he had believed in the presence of gods, but he hardly thought they would interact with humans. Now he had come face to face with Twilight, and the others had met a combination of the other Edar gods.

They were terrifying.

Theo was gently jolted out of his thoughts when he heard a familiar clip clop of a horse. Specifically Conard’s horse. Conard had been visiting the palace for a few weeks before Theo would have to leave for Edar. They kept a civil line of communication, nothing like what it used to be. Both of them knew the limitations of access they had to each other throughout all of their relationship, especially now that marriage discussions had picked up again with Edar’s royal family.

After dismounting his horse and tying her to a tree near Theo’s own horse, he sat himself down beside Theo. He hadn’t expected Conard to follow him out here, but it made sense. With so little time left before Theo had to depart, Conard probably had a few words to say.

It made Theo nervous.

Their silence was a close mimic to what they used to so easily fall into.

A few minutes passed and Theo spoke first: “Following me out here without my knowledge, are you feeling a bit stalkerish today?” He attempted a wry smile.

The silence lulled, Theo’s smile faltered.

“I suppose,” Conrad slumped an arm over his knee. “How are you feeling. About visiting Emri.”

There it was. Theo had been going mildly insane waiting for the topic of conversation to be brought up for weeks.

He took the time to think of a response, something that encapsulated his contradicting emotions. In the end he settled for a simple statement: “I hope the queens will go easy on me, considering everything I went through with Emri.”

Conrad nodded, tilting his head up to look at their shared view of the baby blue skies.

“Have you written to her, since you last met?”

“Ah, I tried. Nothing quite suited,” Theo ran a hand through his hair as he reluctantly admitted his lack of words.

“I still hope she’ll make you happy” -Theo tensed at Conards own admission, a distant memory resurfacing - “From what you said happened in the mountains, she sounds willing to cooperate with you. Either as co-rulers or you as her consort.”

Emri and Theo’s awkward goodbyes after the whole ordeal creeped back into Theo’s mind. Luckily his skin was dark enough that Conrad didn’t pick up on the blush. When recounting the adventure in the temple to his family and Conrad, he tactfully left out the memories shown of each of the royals; and the two kisses him and Emri shared. Especially to Conrad. While they both had come to terms their time together could have never last. It was still undeniably mortifying to discuss future romances with past ones.

Theo eventually settled on something fairly neutral to say in response: “I hope I can make her happy too.”

Conrad seemed to have expected that answer, by the way he sighed. The silence became awkward again.

“This whole… Meeting her parents thing. It’s just a formality really. I can’t see a future where they didn’t like you. You’d be a perfect consort to her.”

Theo sat up and looked at Conrad. Conrad didn’t look back.

Everyone talked of how great Theobilt would be as a consort. Given it was what he was raised to be, it made sense. He was patient, level headed, well educated, and would mind his place in the hierarchy when marrying an heir. When people praised him like that, it felt a little off. A little stilted. From Conrad though, it hurt. In a bittersweet way.

“Thank you.”

Conrad tensed for a brief moment before patting Theo on the back. Despite his size, his touch was always gentle.

They spent a few more minutes cloud watching before riding back to the palace before teatime.

Chapter Text

The sky was clear of any clouds tonight. Stars were on their best behaviour tonight. Night was just biding their time now. During the astronomical period, Night waited beside Twilight, playing this new game the humans made. Twilight heard they call it ‘root-fang’ in translated Fazerien. Sitting in the sky, a floating board sat between them with their various game pieces. So far, Night had been distracted.

Night must have looked like some love-sick mortal since Twilight asked them: “Are you waiting for Selene?” They seemed sympathetic for what it’s worth.

Night looked below them at the fields and mountains of Edar’s Northern people. Selene promised she wouldn’t take long. There were just some prayers she had to answer.

“She clearly feels something towards you, she just hasn’t realised it herself. Just give her some time.” Twilight reassured, their blue lips curving into a gentle smile.

Everyone loved Selene, why wouldn’t they? So why would she even bother looking at Night in the way they saw her?

Before Night could respond, Twilight played his hand, taking out their sea serpent and griffin.

Night scoffed and slumped their chin into their palm.

Twilight could feel their influence once enhanced by the hour of the day, beginning to dwindle to his more typical reach.

“Our time has concluded I believe, till we meet again,” Twilight waved away the board and smirked as both of them could feel Selene’s presence approaching swiftly.

He excused himself to return to his companion Lady of the Snows. How they stayed so devoted to each other was beyond Night. They hoped they and Selene might be able to emulate their loyalty one day.

“Night”

“Selene,” Night turned to Selene.

They embraced, and Night for a moment felt warm. Here, they could be alone together. Alone, yet accompanied by the dreams and nightmares of mortals, all dancing about Night’s head. Only when they were with Selene, could they move them to the back of their mind temporarily. Still there, just quieter.

As they discussed Selene’s going ons during the concluded day -She was always the one with more to say, Night didn’t mind, they loved listening to her- Night was tempted to reach out. Just a moment, to feel her skin against theirs.

Selene pulled away when they tried to hold her hand. Cutting herself off, she chuckled, sounding unsure “Well uh anyway, I’ve been babbling on for too long haven’t I? Have you had any prayers asked of you recently?”

Night refused to show signs of disappointment.

“Hm? No,” They looked below them, eyeing all the village homes that seemed about the size of a speck. “I believe the humans are distrustful of me.”

“What makes you say that?” Selene couldn’t imagine humans disliking her, she kept a level of mutual understanding with them that was above Night.

Night’s mind threatened to slip back into focusing on all their dreams they were currently having. “I see all their fears, what immoral things they’ve committed that invade their dreamscape. It’s sometimes difficult to grant pity on them when I know so much. I think they’ve picked up on that and their allegiance is beginning to waver.”

Selene went silent for a moment. Now Night really began to regret overstepping, thinking that's what caused Selene's awkward lull in conversation she usually so easily filled.

“What happens when they stop making offerings and prayers?” The worry in her voice made Night’s heart ache,

“I am not sure what becomes of us. No god has had all forms of worship cease before. While I have had dips here or there, people always remember us. So there is nothing to fear” If Night wasn’t a god themselves, they’d be praying right now that their words were enough to assure Selene.

“Well then… We should just keep helping the humans then. I can help you reconnect with them if you’d let me?” Selene picked up a more cheerful tone.
It was enough to make Night feel less alone.

“That’d be quite thoughtful of you, I’d like that. Thank you my Selene”

Her all-gum smile made Night stifle a chuckle.

Chapter Text

Twilight was a patient soul. He always had been, even before he was a god. He only had a few memories from those times but he remembers working hard long hours which must’ve meant he was patient right?

Sometimes his beloved tested his patience though. He loved the snow deity's firey personality and all her sharp edges. Though in this particular instance it was proving to be difficult...

Winter sat beside him at the dinner table. And Night sat to his left crocheting a sweater for Selene. -Selene had chosen not to attend this year as there were too many human offers she had to tend to- Twilight wasn’t able to save Night from Winter’s mocking words because of it. But they didn’t let it deter them from working on it everywhere they went the last few weeks. As per usual she had started an argument with her ‘friendly’ rival, La Dame des Fleurs. This year is La Dame des Fleurs’s turn to host their gathering. Everyone had assumed she would bring the majority of the feast and the other gods would bring a small portion from their respective regions. Winter, ever one for extravagance brought a full wolf she had shot down during one of her most recent hunts. But La Dame had slacked off a little to say the least.

“Where is all the food?! I've never seen such a terrible host! Even the most foolish of humans are more prepared than you've been” Winter slammed her inked claws onto the table. Scrunching up the tablecloth that had been detailed with needle-point drawings of plums trees blooming and bees around the edges. Pointing one crooked nail at the host as a not so subtle threat. Causing Twilight to grimace, already wringing his hands together.

“Relax dear sister. I will admit I got a little distracted this time around. But I was serving my people and tending to their saplings. Surely that is more important, no?” La Dames spread her arms out in a welcoming relaxed gesture. Laughing off Winter’s icy glare. Truth was she had been busy doing something and simply in the process had completely lost track of the days. Time always felt like a blur for her. While Winter could painstakingly feel every second past in the back of her mind. It was tedious but it meant she was never late to things.

“Foolish! You never keep your promises!” Twilight's companion scoffed and sat back down in her chair after being urged by Twilight's hand on hers.

“Well everyone else still brought a little something right? So we won't go completely without food. Besides these feasts are a time to come together. Not squabble over responsibilities.” He tried to reason, leaning in close to Winter's side. The air was visible whenever Winter exhaled sharply.

“I suppose… But can we agree to never let her host again? Her abode makes my allergies flare up.” She hissed back quietly. Though not quietly enough as La Dame des Fleurs feigned a scoff and rolled her eyes.

While they squabble, Hatar the god of harvests and Othayria was chatting with Aestia goddess of flames, stars and Eshvon. Aestia was a fairly chatty one, making up for Hatar's more reserved nature. It made a good match and was probably why they got along so well.

“Hmm Winter’s been awfully more calm lately hasn't she? Maybe that companion she took is finally mellowing her out” Aestia mumbled to Hatar. Her elbows leaned on the long wooden table with one hand held up by her face to direct her whispers to Hatar exclusively.

“Hm… I wouldn't be sure of that yet. A guiding hand can only take someone so far” Hatar mumbled back, only half listening. Picking a 4 of clubs from the deck up, pausing to stare at the board before placing it to the club foundation stack.

“Solitaire? Sparks, you're duller than an extinguished flame. At least play a game with me. You're at a gathering, at least pretend you enjoy engaging with us.” Not waiting for a response, Aestia started collecting the cards and shuffling them up.

“Have you heard of this game humans play in Eshvon? It's called Piquet”

Hatar shook his head.

“Here I'll teach you”

Back over to Night, they perked up briefly at the sign of Winter backing down. A thin smile pressed on their hesitant lips before returning to unwinding a mistake they made in the sweater. It was their first time attempting something that required this much hand dexterity. But they had the focus and determination to figure it out.

Twilight could at least relax knowing everyone else didn't seem to be bothered by La Dame's unprepared dinner and Winter’s frustration.

Sighing, Twilight tuned back into the conversation. Now La Dame was calmly informing Winter that it wasn't her problem that she couldn't handle a little pollen and that maybe a little greenery in Winter’s fortress might do her some good to liven up the soulless place. Twilight wouldn't be one to disagree. Sometimes he did find it a little dreary. But that would hardly be productive if he wanted to eat sometime today would it?

“Let's save the home decor discussions for after we serve food shall we? Hatar, Aestia, you both brought something right?” Twilight caught the attention of the two gods who had just begun a game of Piquet. Hatar seemed to be actually getting quite invested if you knew where to look for signs.

“Hm? We were just in the mid-” Hatar quickly trailed off when catching Twilight's pleading star pecked eyes. In a resigned fashion he put his cards face down and troded off out of the cottage with Aestia chirping away not long behind. They're goods had been left outside with their horses they traveled with.

Asteia had brought a watermelon and a mango for everyone. Carried in a lovely woven basket with a cloth underneath.

Hatar brought a fair few bunches of purple grapes from his kingdom's Vineyard after annual harvesting, he received as an offering from their wine makers for good fortune the following year.

When they brought them inside, they found that Night had taken the hint from Twilight and went to go retrieve the meats they had brought. Winter offering the wolf she caught, Twilight brought a rabbit, and Night brought a owl. The owl was actually shot down by Winter but she gave it to Night instead -much to their horror, given owls were most loyal to them- because they had refused to join the hunt. Even though they handled death regularly, they still always refused to join hunts much to Winter's dismay and Twilight's disappointment.

Seeing that there would still be a meal, Winter had calm down enough to go and prepare the meat in the kitchen. She was the only one who really had the stomach for it so it was typically her job at gatherings even if she wasn't hosting. The room seemed to be loosened from its iron grip as La Dame poured some peppermint tea for anyone asking. Hatar accepted a cup, asking for two sugars but Aestia turned it down and asked for water instead. Twilight took his tea black and offered a quick apology to La Dame for his partner's behavior. She waved it off and assured him it didn't bother her.

When Night left Winter to handle the meat, they settled back down in their seat, reaching for their crocheting they had put down for the moment. Only for Aestia to distract them once again.

“What are you making?” She peered over the table at their half finished creation.

“Oh uh a sweater… For Selene.” They answered with notable softness.

“Oooo. A sweater for Selene” La Dame mimicked in a higher pitch.

Night lowered their head, hiding their expression behind their hair to the surprise of no one.

“It's coming along nicely. I'm sure my daughter will love it” A calm voice cut through the embarrassment, placing a reassuring hand on Night’s shoulder. Though not without reminding Night that Twilight was Selene's father, a subtle hint to keep them in check.

“Thank you” Night smiled politely and quickly changed topics, asking about the card game Aestia and Hatar were playing. Which was met with a friendly smile and another long ramble of the rules by Aestia, afterwards offering for Night to play the next game. Agreeing, Night watched the rest of their remaining game for now.

A while later Twilight would join Winter in the kitchen to assist with the roasting once the grossest bits were over with.

-----

“So… What was the real reason you couldn't be bothered to prepare a meal for us?” Winter chimed up as she cut into the wolf meat, serving up everyone's plates.

Hatar, sitting on the side beside Aestia remained still, shoulders tense. Aestia helped herself to some grapes, choosing to stay silent for now. Twilight accepted a plate of meat from Winter, thanking her with a light nod but remained silent as well. Night paused briefly mid way through reaching across the table to grab a mango, only to finish grabbing it and swiftly sitting back down.

“Whatever do you mean? I was earnest when I said time got carried away with me from tending to my regions new crops.” La Dame carried on as usual, all smiles and gentle voices.

“Oh yes you, always with your head in the clouds.” Winter waved dismissively of her and moved to cut Asteia a slice of wolf.

“No I'm okay, thank you” She shook her head, already filling her plate with fruits.

“Oh…” Winter pulled back slightly.

That's right, Aestia doesn't eat meat, Twilight remembered. Grimacing internally as he realised Winter probably took that personally as an insult to her efforts of her hunt and the time it took to prepare the meat.

“Well uh it's true, I was working with Reila so Farezi would have a stable water supply for their fields.” La Dame Des Fleurs clarified. Under the table she crossed her fingers.

Aestia cleared her voice a little too loud to go unnoticed. Reila, the water goddess had stopped showing up to gatherings the last few decades. Hoping to avoid drama with Aestia. They clashed a lot over the centuries and Aestia seemed to have won out for who got to still attend gatherings. She always did have a strong spirit even if Winter would beg to differ. Though Winter preferred it this way, Reila was always encroaching on her territory and her nerves.

“Right, how is she by the way? I don't think I've kept in touch with how she's been doing” Aestia asked in a sickly sweet voice. Finishing the sentence by popping a grape into her mouth.

Hatar gave Aestia a pointed look before handing Winter his plate, requesting for a cut of rabbit.

“Hm oh yes she's doing well. I think she moved to the coast a few springs ago.” La Dame chirped and requested for some owl next, only for Winter to just hand her the cutting knife all together. Night watched in horror as La Dame shrugged and happily cut herself a large chunk, nearly half.

“Oh sorry, did you want some?” La Dame noted Night was staring now. Pausing midway through cutting up the roasted owl to offer a slice.

“I think they're good without” Twilight informed with an even voice. Giving them a sympathetic look before adding a slice of watermelon to his plate of wolf.

“Suit yourself” La Dame hummed and dug in hastily.

“Can you pass the watermelon?” Hatar asked Aestia quietly.

The Esvhoni goddess complied happily, eager to share what she had brought. After a few bites, Hatar nodded spoke slowly.

“This is nice… Thank you” He smiled faintly.

“Mm yes this watermelon is excellent, thank you Aestia” Twilight added on, already half way through his first slice.

“Oh you're welcome!” The goddess beamed, literally, the three stars on her forehead shined extra brightly whenever she smiled.

She took a good few handful of grapes onto her plate as she talked, “These grapes are wonderful Hatar. Did your Royal Vinyard grow them?”

“Ah, yes, they did… An offering they made” Hatar confirmed. He cut his rabbit up into small uniform slices before taking bites.

“Would've been better if they gave you wine” La Dame murmmered under their breath. At this Hatar's lips curved upwards.

“Oh… I forgot. Excuse me for a moment” He rose out of his seat and walked out the front door. Everyone waited expectantly and Hatar delivered. Just a few moments later he returned with four bottles of wine, all with his kingdom's royal stamp on them.

“They also offered some of their wines that had been in their cellars, dated maybe 50 years ago.” He explained as he placed them down on the table. Everyone looked pleased, even Night's spirit's were a little cheered up after the owl incident.

----

"I'm grateful for-" hic "-My partner. She's so smart and... head strong... I don't know what I'd do without her" Twilight looked at Winter with just the most smitten look, Night thought they might be sick.

"Aww, that's so nice of you" Winter giggled as she poured herself another glass and topped up Twilight's at the same time, "Well... I'm grateful for my partner! For being so sweet and you always know just what to say... And! I'm grateful for Otheriya’s excess of grape production!" Almost spilling her glass when she raised it up into the air.

Just moments prior Twilight had suggested they all go around the table and say something they're grateful for. Just for fun while they were all feeling more open and relaxed by the second bottle of wine.

It still amused Twilight just how low a tolerance his partner had to alcohol. It really didn't take much wine for her to completely change moods.

"Well... I'll go next seeing as we're going in a circle" Aestia hummed, taking a small sip. She was only feeling a little buzzed but it was warming her whole system. Though it barely made a difference as she was naturally quite warm to the touch, "I'm grateful for... Getting to see all of you every year! We seriously should be doing these more frequently, you guys are so fun when you're drunk" She added with a giggle.

"Mm I agree, we should meet more regularly." Hatar raised his glass in acknowledgement. Already on his fourth glass, Hatar barely felt it though. He had built up a fair good tolerance to wine over the centuries of offerings his people gave him. Having had the time to think over his answer while other’s went, Hatar answered his fairly smoothly, "I'm grateful for the people of Othayria. They have treated me well and each other well for as long as I can remember. It means less work for me sorting out pointless squabbles" He finished with a hint of a smirk and gestured with his head that it was La Dame's turn.

Clearly the most drunk out of all of them by now, as La Dame had been pouring herself two drinks at a time. She leaned forward in her seat, grinning ear to ear, "I'm grateful for wine. It makes you guys way more enjoyable to be around! Winter, you're like almost tolerable when you're drunk!" Her laugh bounced through the room before she took another gulp of wine.

Everyone looked to Winter, antsy as to what her reaction might be. It was silent for a few moments, save for La Dame's laughter. Only for Winter to join in to and clink glasses with her.

"And you're mildly less irritating when you're drunk!" She retorted, smirking back a toothy grin.

Everyone could feel themselves relax immensely.

"Who wants more?" Night stood up, holding the fourth and last bottle of wine in the air.

Aestia and Hatar raised their hands. And La Dame raised both her glasses. Winter and Twilight still had full glasses so they declined a top up.

As they pulled the cork off and poured drinks, Night took their turn, "Well uh I kind of had a similar one to Aestia," they scratched the back of their neck with a laugh, "But I'm grateful for having a chance to spend moments like these with all of you." Not wanting to put a damper on the mood by whining about how lonely they usually were, they just left it at that and raised their glass to the center of the table. Everyone brought their glass to the center -La Dame yes used both of her glasses- clinking them all together and cheering.

Twilight in admist all the cheer, grabbed his partner by the face and pressed her icy cold lips to his.

Now this was a slightly risky move. While Winter was quite the physically affectionate goddess when it came to Twilight, she didn't typically enjoy revealing that fact to others.

But it seemed to work out well since Winter closed her star clustered eyes and kissed him back with double the intensity.

Night groaned and gulped down the rest of their wine glass. While Aestia and La Dame laughed and clapped for them. Hatar even smiled approvingly though could also understand why Night was so bothered by it. It was just amplifying the loneliness they felt whenever their creators showed their intense love to each other. But those feelings were put aside quickly when La Dame resurfaced the debate on Winter’s home decor.

----

Gods didn't need to sleep. But given how much time they had on their hands, sometimes it was nice to just not be thinking for a while. Another reason a god might sleep, is when they had just a little bit too much to drink. Sure they were immortal, but that didn't make them immune to the effects of alcohol (or hangovers).

So while Night rode in the front, leading their horses back to Edar. And Twilight sat in the carriage, quietly reading a book. Winter was knocked out cold, head lolled over on Twilight’s shoulder. The branches around her neck and arms dug a little into Twilight's skin but he paid it no mind.

The book Twilight had open wasn't particularly interesting, a manuscript offered by a man when praying for his unity with his lover. What was with humans and their desire to offer Twilight books? People didn't give Winter or Night books in the same way. On the rare occasion they might be given poems depicting their greatness. This didn't happen for the other gods either apparently when Twilight had mentioned in previously. But this was the fourth book or manuscript he had been given. Did Twilight just give off the presence of a God who enjoyed reading? Well they weren’t completely wrong. Twilight did collect first editions of books dating back to when he was still human. It somewhat helped him feel connected back to that time.

But that didn't mean he wanted to read some poor excuse for a love story written by a man who didn't know how to use a semi colon!

Well whatever because he was reading it anyway since there wasn't anything else for him to do on the two day long trip back.

After a few hours of traveling through the night, they were reaching dusk. Night was the one to break the silence first.

“That was nice wasn't it?” They murmmered, still facing forward as the reigns held loosely in their grip.

Perking up, Twilight hummed, “Yes, yes it was.”

There was silence between them again for a few moments. That was normal, both of them liked to take their time with responding.

“I saw La Dame cross her fingers” Ah, so that was what Night wanted to talk about really.

When they realised Twilight didn't understand the context, they continued, “When Winter asked them why they really hadn't prepared food for the feast. I saw her cross her fingers under the table when she gave her explanation about Reila. I don't think anyone else noticed so I figured I should mention it to you”

Oh?

“I'm sure it was nothing. You know how she is, always fidgeting.” That was a little interesting. But there was no point worrying Night over something that was most likely nothing. Better to look into it on Twilight’s own time. Maybe it would be a good excuse to pay Reila a visit.

…

“You're probably right. She never can sit still can she?” Night’s face was still turned away from Twilight. Their grip on the reins tightened.

Chapter Text

Gods didn't celebrate ‘birthdays’ necessarily in the same ways humans did. If they remember the day, they might have a personal celebration of when they were gifted this form by the tree of life. Though it wasn't really considered a big deal and if they tried to throw a party the same way humans did, other deities would probably scoff. However, Twilight felt it was important for his daughter to have a strong connection with the humans. That involved celebrating some of the same events as them, including birthdays.

It took a bit of convincing to get Winter to agree the first time; given she didn’t want to be associated with silly human celebrations and be looked down by other deities. But by the third year, Winter had gone full swing in the other direction. Taking it upon herself to host the most extravagant birthdays for her darling daughter. All it took was Twilight and Night to taunt her, with how she was letting herself be subservient to the other deities, if she was too worried about upsetting the status quo. The threat encouraged her to switch gears swiftly.

Now most of the other deities had come around to it as well. Night would handcraft invitations to all of them (ones that Winter allowed to come) and send them out by via their owls a few weeks beforehand.

Selene wasn’t exactly surprised by the surprise party. Twilight had told her that the main hall was ‘out of order’ for renovations. Which didn’t make a lick of sense given that they never had to close off an area for a whole day. Winter could reshape an entire room in a matter of moments. Even the most complicated of changes would take her hours at most. Why would they be shutting down the main hall for a full day? There was only a few things it could really be…

“Surprise!”

Selene untied her blindfold with slender fingers. Opening her eyes to find her parents, and all their deity friends standing in front of her. Winter and Twilight’s fortress had been decorated fittingly, mimicking all the human birthdays they observed to create the most lavish party they could imagine. Ice sculptures of wolves (Winter tried to ask her daughter what animal she felt most connected to but Selene refused to pick just one so Winter just picked wolves since they had an association with howling at the moon)

Creating ice sculptures was one of Winter’s few hobbies she was openly passionate about. She’d spend hours, days, working on one sculpture till it was just right. These ones were quite impressive, scenes of wolves howling at the moon, dancing on their hind legs. And with just a little magic imbued in them, they would start to move like her little puppets at her command. Even a perfectionist such as her was proud of her work.

Another thing Winter could confidently be proud of, was the banquet she prepared. It stretched on for what felt like miles, gourmet dishes of all kinds that would make a palace chef weep. After La Dame des Fleurs pathetic excuse for a banquet, Winter intended to show her up… By letting Twilight prepare all the food. It wasn't as though she forced him though, he offered. Twilight was the only one who actually enjoyed cooking and found it relaxing. Aestia was more of a baker so she offered to make the cake. Selene gawked at the 7 layered tiers. Buttercream flowers trailed up the side of the monster of a desert. Atop it candles were packed in a comical manner so close to each other Selene could've mistaken it for one giant candle.

Despite it not exactly being a surprise, Selene still appreciated the effort immensely. (And she didn't mind the pile of presents for her in the corner) It almost felt like a little too much. This much food could feed a small village. The cake alone could feed a whole school of children.

Of course she said her thanks and kissed everyone's cheeks, including a beaming Night. But she felt obligated to include a: “You really didn't have to do this all for me. Honestly, an even better gift would be to give at least some of this to our servants and priestess.”

Twilight instinctively grabbed Winter’s hand, squeezing tight.

“Servants? Really?” Winter gawked out anyway.

“I think it's a lovely idea hun, it's just something our dear Selene would do isn't it?” Twilight commented with an amused and proud expression only Winter could read after being by his side for so long.

“I suppose…” Winter rubbed the bridge of her nose.

“I'll bring them in. The more the merrier right!” Selene scuttled off down the stairs not unlike a penguin.

Hatar watched Aestia laugh first before offering a chuckle of his own.
“I should've known she'd take one look at my cake and feel guilty for not sharing” Asetia wiped her eye as her laughter calmed down enough to speak, “Perhaps we should bring more plates though. How many humans do you have under your staff?” Astiea turned to Twilight. He was the one in charge of pay and hires.

“Oh hm I believe, about 15 servants and 5 priests,” Twilight counted on his fingers before answering.

Asteia checked the number of plates on the table.

“There's only seven…” She murmured.

“I'll go get some.” Night wandered off in the direction Selene went to the kitchens.

Twilight gestured for Asteia to blow out the candles on the cake. They had planned for Selene to blow them out immediately when she took her blindfold off but ultimately she got distracted. Now the candles were melting quickly and dripping bits of wax onto the cake. Asetia flicked her wrist towards the cake and they went out.

La Dame was only half listening to their dilemma while she poured up on goblets of wine that Hatar generously brought. It was just as if not higher quality than what he brought to the yearly harvest gathering a few months prior. He could be quite particular with his wines and only accepted the best. La Dame however, could only tell the difference in wine based on colour. The taste was irrelevant. What mattered was the effect.

“Has she no self control?” Winter scoffed under her breath, the only one able to hear being Twilight and Hatar could hear since they were closet.

Twilight's eyes softened at seeing La Dame gulping back goblet after goblet. The party had barely just started.

“She can manage herself. Everyone needs to figure out their own tolerance to alcohol” Hatar spoke out his opinion, a rare sight in the presence of Winter.

“Hmpf, well she better not ruin my daughter's celebration.” Winter inspected her clawed nails, perfectly pointed as always.

“Maybe bring the bottles out one by one as one empties next time?” Twilight suggests to Hatar gently.

Hatar shrugged.

Twilight shook his head, resigning from the discussion to fill his plate with fruits given as offerings by travellers. Some had just passed through just two days prior, two siblings, hoping to pray to Selene for their grandmother’s health who had been wilting away for some time now. Of course she agreed and was whisked away to their village down south, returning the next day with buckets of fresh fruits offered by the village the siblings were from as a thanks for blessing their grandmother who was already feeling more energized after the visit.

Selene returned with some hesitant looking priestesses and servants. All immediately bowing at the many deities before them. They didn’t have much experience interacting with Hatar, Aestia or La Dame, so they don't know how to behave around them. Would they treat them like equals like Selene? Dismiss them completely like Night? Be polite but strict Twilight? Or to put it lightly, have a brittle temper like Winter?

The head priestess, an older lady in her 50s, was most confident and stepped forward, greeting the gods she had only seen in passing but never talked to directly in her 30 years working under Edar’s deities: “Good afternoon, my deepest gratitude for the invite to your celebrations”

Aestia nodded, impressed with their manners. A younger rosy cheeked blonde, approached with quick steps. Promptly leaning down to kiss Aestia’s hand, they were cold compared to the intense heat that emanated of Aestia.

“Goddess of flames and stars, it is an undeniable pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Her eyes traveled up Aestia’s tall frame from her lowered position before straightening her back out in a smooth motion. Winter sighed, that priestess in particular always did too much.

“Oh, hm… Pleasures all mine hun” Aestia didn’t notice her own temperature rising, but Hatar couldn’t help but cover his snicker with his shirt sleeve.

“My name is Nadia, I heard you whipped up that cake all by yourself?” The blonde remarked, glancing over at the cake with interest.

“Ah, yes I did, you like it?”

“Mmhm, I hope it’ll be as sweet as you are” Nadia winked before being pulled back by her collar by the elderly priestess with a surprising amount of force.

“Apologies for her, she’s new” The older lady lowered her head before dragging Nadia off for a stern conversation on etiquette around deities. Leaving Aestia unknowingly smiling ear to ear.

The rest of the servants and the other three priestesses collectively felt they could relax as long as none of them acted as boldly as their peer. Selene chuckled and encouraged them all to treat themselves to the buffet. So they wandered off to the far end of the table, hoping to avoid the stern gazes from Winter. Only to be met by La Dame eagerly approaching, nearly spilling her goblet as she waved it at them.

“Would any of you like to play a game with me?” She asked cheerfully. A spry young boy raised his hand from the back of the group.

“How old are you, boy?” La Dame asked.

“17 your majesty” He answered confidently. A slightly taller boy elbowed the 17 year old and muttered: “Your majesty? It’s La Dame Des Fleurs, are you blind?”

“I forgot okay, excuse me for having poor memory” The boy huffed before returning his attention to the goddess when she spoke.

“You’re old enough I suppose, I challenge you to a drinking contest.”

“You’re on!” The boy puffed his chest out slightly.

One of the priestesses who looked to be in her early twenties, sighed.

“Are you certain you want to go through with this Anthony? The spring goddess is known for holding her liquor.”

Everyone crowded around a table, Anthony and La Dame sitting across from each other. Bottles of wine stacked in a tower, whoever drank the most once Selene said one hour was up -She always knew where the moon was so she had an internal clock at the ready- would win. The boy looked increasingly confident even as Hatar added the last few bottles to the table.

“Are you two ready?” Selene asked, standing to the side to judge for cheating from either parties.

“Yes Ma’am!” Anthony set his shoulders back.

“Yes dear” La Dame nodded simply.

“3…2…1 Go!” One of Anthony’s servant boy friends cheered out preemptively. Immediately Anthony reached for the top bottle, popping the cork off and chugging it down. He had never tasted wine from the land of Othayria before. It rolled down his throat with ease, tasting unbelievably sweet but he didn’t feel like he could get sick of it. It was perfect for his sweet tooth really. It felt like a shame to be chugging it all so quickly, not giving himself a chance to savor the taste. One bottle down, he was feeling good.

La Dame watched Anthony for a second before chuckling. Mortals were so entertaining. Picking a bottle up, she popped the cork off, tilted her head back, and chugged. Chugged and chugged. Once not even a drop could fall out, she tossed it aside, smashing to bits on the ground.

“Whoops, I didn’t know those could break, my mistake” La Dame covered her mouth, acting flustered.

Winter grimaced and ordered one of the serving girls to clean it up quick. While the servant girl scurried and scampered to clean it up, La Dame was already on her second bottle. Hatar helpfully brought out a container to put the empty bottles into to prevent further accidents.

Third bottle… Fourth bottle… Fifth bottle… Anthony had been keeping pace with the god nicely, managing to only be about half a bottle away at any time from catching up to her. Anthony was surprised he wasn’t feeling anything yet. Perhaps it had a late kick to it. If he had to compare it to something, it would have to be like drinking directly from the tree of life’s sap. A drink so sweet, he wondered what he would drink when this was all said and done? Water? Milk? Pathetic compared to this drink of the gods.

They were down to the last bottle, La Dame smiled and handed it to him saying, “You deserve it, you’ve kept up with a goddess, that's an accomplishment that should go down in history books.

Anthony beamed. Lifting the rim to his lips, he chugged. Precious drops dripped down his cheeks as he gulped too much of it at once.

Everyone held their breath -except Winter- waiting to see if it would pass out. Bracing himself on the table, Anthony stood with a little stumble.

All the servants and priestesses cheered, celebrating his surprising success. Hatar even went as far as patting him on the back. Which would’ve normally made him flinch but Anthony felt as though he was flying on clouds. Everything tingled.

The party continued as normal for the most part. Save for Nadia being hesitantly allowed to return by the head priestess. Aestia made quick work to strike up another conversation with her. Anthony continued to subtle around, all laughs and subpar jokes as he stuffed his face with Twilight’s cooking and Aestia’s cooking. It was all simply divine. Twilight never cooked for the servants before. That was all done by the head servants who had been employed the longest, while newcomers were designated the tasks of cleaning up and washing dishes afterwards. So this was a completely unexpected treat. Selene had doubted all the food would be finished by the end of the night. But with Anthony helping himself to plate after plate, and everyone else having their own fill, it was all gone quicker than she’d imagined. Anthony just never seemed to be full. The savory bites, the meats, the pastas, the seafood, even the steamed vegetables he was usually partial to. It all was too much yet not enough.

Eager to get the party back on track, Winter ordered everyone to gather round to watch Selene open her presents. The servants were worried that they hadn't prepared a present for Selene. They weren't privy to the celebration plans to prevent anyone ruining the surprise. Thankfully Selene didn’t mind one bit and was happy they were there in the first place. Proud of her gift choosing, Winter handed Selene her presents first. Out of all the deities, Winter and Twilight definitely brought the biggest. A massive statue capturing Selene’s likeness, made of marble and crafted with impeccable skill down to the finest of details, like the specs in her pupils, and the slender slope to her hands.

Aestia and Hatar brought the finest jewellery they could find. The gemstones larger than Selene had ever seen. The chains they settled on came from Hatar’s metal working craftsmen in Otheriya. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, all encased with red diamonds, emeralds, and black opals.

Next went Night who had the modest gift out of the bunch. They wrapped it in a white and black polka dot cloth. With a slight tremor in their hands, they pass it over to Selene. Sitting folded neatly inside, was a pastel blue sweater with crescent moons trailing around the bottom trim. It wasn’t exactly the neatest thing… It was handmade and Night hadn’t had as much practice as they would’ve liked before presenting it to them.

“I uh hope you like it. If you don't, I can try and remake it better next time…” Night said hurriedly.

“It’s perfect” Selene beamed up at them, none the wiser to the swirling thoughts racing through their mind. She slipped the sweater on and took the time to admire the design.

“Did you make this yourself? It’s wonderful” Selene said.

Night nodded. Noticeably not making eye contact with anyone in the room.

Selene was about to give Night a hug but La Dame jumped in-between them holding out her gift eagerly. She has been impatiently waiting this whole time to present her gift.

“Oh right… Thank you.” Selene took the rather vertical gift and pulled the green cloth covering it. La Dame must’ve been keeping it in another room as no one had noticed it until now. Underneath the fabric, a vibrant green and red feathered parrot sat perched in a cage.

Selene gasped, “What a pretty bird!” She held out her finger between the bars, the parrot eagerly snuggled its beak against her.

SQAWKKKKKKK

“Who’s a good parrot?” Selene giggled, amused by its shrilling voice.

“He’ll sing your praises all day long. A goddess as beloved and adored as you should be reminded of your greatness every day should you not?” La Dame explained proudly, ignoring Winter’s death glares from across the room.

Your hair is as smooth as a tulip’s petals SQQAAAWWWWWKKKKK Your voice is almost as sweet than mine!

The parrot chirped out at an obscenely high pitch that was sure to give Winter a piercing headache. Nonetheless Selene seemed to be having the time of her life, giggling at the bird’s comments. She spent a while longer simply talking to the bird, fascinated by its complex vocabulary.
After the party winded down, and the cake had been cut, Anthony had to be assisted back to the servants quarters by a friend. Each step down the stairs he felt like he would trip and the stairs were moving. Winter had sent him out by the seventh slice of cake, disgusted by his lack of self control. Night left next, needing to tend to their duties, watching over the mortals as they slept, observing their dreams. Aestia and Nadia both retired within a few minutes of each other. All the deities were welcomed to stay the night in the guest rooms before returning to their abodes the next morning. By one hour past midnight, even Selene, the birthday girl, retired from the festivities. By that point, all the priestess and servants were well and truly knackered, too tired to barely make polite conversation. Hatar wasn’t quite ready to rest, so he decided to take a stroll around the mountains, curious to what he might find as he didn’t visit the icy fortress often.

This left Winter and Twilight to babysit La Dame until she retired for the night. Twilight didn’t mind so much, her company kept things lively. Winter however, was grating her teeth more by the minute.

“Oo! You should sing for us sister!” La Dame gasped, lifting her face up from the cake slice, a dot of frosting coating her nose. Twilight tried to gesture to it but she didn’t seem to notice or care.

“No.” Winter stares at her blankly.

“Oh pleaseeee dear sister” La Dame whined.

“I haven’t heard you sing in quite some time hun” Twilight added unhelpfully.

“For good reason” Winter retorts.

“Why so sister? Last time you sang it was heavenly. I don’t think I ever saw Twilight blush like that since” La Dame giggles. Nudging Twilight who grimaced and pushed her away, something only he could do so politely.

“Perhaps you should have savoured the moment better.” Winter says. La Dame pouts and tries to walk towards her, reaching out to shake her shoulders, only to trip over her own gown and fall flat on her face.

“Nugh… Winter… Help…” La Dame fails her arms out at Winter. Clearly not in her right mind if she thought Winter would willingly help her up. Leaving Twilight to heave her up and carry her towards the stairs.

While they traversed down the decorated stairwell, Twilight mulled over the party’s events. Something didn’t quite make sense to him. Sure, La Dame was more than happy to encourage others to drink, even if they were well below an appropriate age to do so. But a drinking contest was a little out of the ordinary. And without any particular reward? It felt all too contrived.

“Say… Why did you challenge that boy to a drinking competition?”

“Huh? Oh right, yeah… I just thought it’d be funny. He’s never going to drink something that tasty again. So he’s just going to keep searching for things just as good but find none. Not in this land anyway. But I doubt Winter would ever let him go all the way across the continent to Othayria just to get drunk.”

“That’s quite cruel of you. You know everything will taste dull in comparison to him now don’t you?”

“Mhmmhm…”

Twilight could feel her head loll onto his shoulder. No point in trying to continue the conversation. He would have to consider the price of shipping Othayrian wine to Edar. Though the thought of having Anthony constantly drunk would be less than ideal… But having him constantly craving it, and being distracted by the thought of the wine was also not ideal… A problem for tomorrow Twilight.

—---

Once La Dame was all tucked into one of their many spare room's beds, Twilight returned to his quarters with Winter. She had already let down her hair from her braided plait that typically stayed wrapped around her head like the shape of a crown. Fine, smooth hair ran down her back. Twilight never ceased to be in awe of her beauty. The way all light seemed to be trapped inside her hair, an endless blackhole that drew his attention. A delicate hand ran through the locks with a brush. Winter, sitting off the side of their bed, didn’t flinch, sensing his presence long before he touched her.

“What a nightmare… That boy almost threw up all that precious wine La Dame Des Fleurs made him waste. And do not even get me started on that blasted pigeon. I have half the mind to squeeze the air out of its lungs if it screeches one more time” She muttered, rubbing the bridge of her nose. Twilight hummed before answering carefully.

“Mmm yes… She was quite troublesome tonight wasn’t she? But at least Selene enjoyed herself, no? She seemed to like the parrot at least”

“She did retain that silly smile all night… So I suppose it was worth the headache. But I’m not kidding about that parrot”

“That’s the spirit…” Twilight murmured, almost finished with brushing her hair. He knew she wasn’t joking, he’d probably have to make Selene keep it in a separate room away from Winter’s sensitive ears.

“Sometimes I just wonder why I invite La Dame Des Fleurs at all to anything. She can barely hold a conversation without some sort of alcoholic beverage in attendance as well. And she always makes a mess of things. Remember that time she convinced a whole village that if they sacrificed all their crops from their harvest, that she would return it tenfold? And then she never actually did anything and the whole village almost starved if it wasn’t for Selene working with Reila to bring them enough seafood to make it through the colder months.”

Twilight hummed, nodding along, “Yes that was quite foolish of her”

Winter continued, becoming increasingly riled up: “She’s actually such a nuisance, you know what she said after that incident? Oh it was to teach them a lesson to fend for themselves and not rely on the gods for everything. Like excuse me? Thanks, now my daughter has to work harder to fix your ill-guided ‘lessons’ that almost killed a whole village!” Winter scoffed, the air she breathed out turning visible for a moment from the chill she released with every breath.

Taking his time, Twilight mulled over the best way to soothe her while not completely ousting La Dame from gatherings all together. Life was already difficult enough with limited contact with Reila. Especially for Selene who used to be so close with her.

“Hmm I see what you're saying… But La Dame has been such a long time friend. It would be such a shame to just completely cut ties with her, would it not?”

“Who cares if I’ve known her millennia? She was frustrating then and she's frustrating now”

Wrong move…

“Well Selene will miss her would she not?”

“No idea why she holds such fondness for her anyway. Personally I think she might do some good with a lack of influence from that drunkard”

Also wrong…

“Well, do you really want to exile her? Unlike Reila, she's known to bite back against any transgression.”

“Are you saying I couldn't handle her?”

“Of course not!” -Twilight sighs- “It would just be more effort than it's worth. Even though you absolutely could brute force your way into her leaving. I would rather you spend your time on things you enjoy… Like singing?” Hands wrap around Winter’s waist, pulling her in close to Twilight.

Winter bit down a smile.

“Please, I haven't sung in decades… I'd probably freeze up if I tried to”

“When they think no one is listening, some of the older priestess still remark how angelic you sang when you performed at the rare banquet” Twilight murmured, lazily trailing his fingers up the tree branches bulging out of her skin. His touch was warm comparatively to hers. But he was the only God cold enough that Winter wouldn't flinch at the touch.

“They do? They must have nothing better to chit chat about.”

“Or… Maybe you were just that good. I know the younger priestesses and servants would appreciate a performance.”

“Well… I'll think on it” Winter says decidedly, a faint sprinkling of snow dusting her cheeks.

“Thank you”