Archive of Our Own ^beta

 Her smile bright, her eyes vibrant ambers.
Who knew her happy and care-free days were so short-lived?

Life and the fates treated her well, She was born into nobility, yet she got to understand familial love and affection, something uncommon. She was healthy, beautiful and intelligent. She was adored and life seemed easy.

She remembers the day things stopped being so simple. 

She was laughing loud and wholeheartedly as she ran, her sister following her closely, laughing just as hard. She heard her sister getting closer, and she broke the unwritten rule of her life, the rule that fates put there to toy with her. She made the mistake of looking back. The amber of her eyes caught the turquoise of her sister’s; she shrieked as she tried to outrun her, but by looking away from ahead, she lost sight of the thick vines splayed on the ground.

She fell.

Her sister sat by her side, concern replacing any other emotion previously present in her face.

Her eyes were brimming with tears, that was to be expected, she was just a kid and her knee was scraped and it hurt. Her sister pulled her in with one hand, the other resting on the injured girl’s knee, trying her best to soothe her. That was when they felt it for the first time. Something changed as they were both engulfed in bright yellow and blue hues. A warm sensation began coursing through their veins. When the moment ended, her pain was gone.
It was magic.

☪︎  ☾  ☪︎ 

Lilith loved her sister more than anything in the world. She would do anything for her, yet she couldn’t stop the ugly feelings from surfacing.

Their parents adored Edalyn. Her mother favored her and would let her get away with things she wouldn’t dare to even think of doing. Edalyn was perfect, and she didn’t even try! Everything came so easily to her. She was warm, lively, lovely and talented in everything she tried. While she struggled with simple things, Edalyn thrived at anything she chose to do. She wasn’t as good as her sister when it came to people and she certainly wasn’t as effortlessly talented.  She had to work hard for everything so she could keep up with her younger sister. She had to earn everything Edalyn was just blessed with.

She loved her sister deeply, but ugly feelings were always lurking around, waiting for the right moment to break her and take control. As strong as she and her love was, it couldn’t stop the bitterness and the way jealousy sucked the warmth of love out of her. Consequently, she got colder and colder towards her sister as the looming shadow of the ugly feelings grew taller.

It all got worse when they were approached by the hierophant one day. Apparently, the mighty Gods have found them worthy and sent their messenger. The hierophant was a young blonde man with a golden mask, a kind and righteous man indeed, but he was cold and decisive when it came to the will of Titan. The Clawthornes were pleased to find out their children were gifted by the Titan, but finding out that the hierophant was there for them? That was huge. Their children were blessed and chosen for a path of happiness and glory, or at least that’s what they thought.

Lilith aspired of becoming a Goddess. That was no surprise, she had this dream since it was discovered that the sisters have the gift. She had trained daily to become an adequate fighter, she dedicated her time to her studies and tried to educate herself on different subjects so she could be worthy of her gift, so she could achieve her dreams. She was certain that she was up for anything they put in her way, she’d do anything for her dream; but fate apparently loves to play with her and nothing ever goes as she expects. She was naive to believe her blood, sweat and tears were enough to reach her goal, a fair compensation for all her hard work.

She really shouldn’t have been surprised to find out she has to literally compete for the vassalship of deities with her sister.

A battle to determine their wits and skills, the opportunity of a lifetime, the only way to achieve her life’s goal. She had to win. The match against her own blood, against a person whom she dearly loved. And she was not sure what came first, her bonds or her destiny?

The hierophant told them to prepare themselves for the trial, and told them the one who truly thinks like a deity would rise triumphant.
Wouldn’t that mean to do anything in her power for her dream?

She wasn’t going to let mere thoughts of a mortal mindset, nor feelings that were unbecoming of a deity keep her from her destiny.

𖤓  ☼  𖤓 

The younger Clawthorne was walking as she practiced kick-ups. Her gaze was trained on the ball as she walked, but her mind wasn’t in it.

She always knew her sister was growing distant, but it’s been getting harder and harder to find the slightest hint of the warmth she was used to in her sister’s eyes. She hated it. Lily was her best friend and it hurt to see her drift away.

Was it something I did? Do I upset her somehow? Is she in trouble or something? What is she hiding!?

Her repressed anger finally got the best of her and she lost control of the ball. The ball went flying and she lost sight of it as it bounced off. She followed the ball, frustrated as her hands brushed errand branches out of her way. She entered the rows of red-leafed trees along the trail she had been walking down as she tried to catch a glimpse of her lost ball, only to find an owl dragging it away awkwardly, trying hard to carry something that heavy.

“Hey! That’s my ball!”

She shouted as she chased the owl. The mysterious Owl did not bat an eye as it continued on its path.

The young Clawthorne did not give up as she followed the menacing bird closely, jumping and hopping, trying to yank her ball out of the bird’s talons. She was so close, her fingers brushed with the ball and the bird lost balance as it came crashing down and landed ungracefully on the ground.

Edalyn ignored the bird as she stood up and began looking for her ball. As she spotted and went to grab the ball, she heard a distressed wavering cry. She froze in her place.

Should I leave it be? The poor thing didn’t mean to harm me, maybe it wanted to play!?

She pursed her lips as she tried not to think about the last part. An owl, playing? She really can’t leave the poor bird in its current condition or her mind wouldn’t stop guilt-tripping her with such dumb justifications.

She looked back and her eyes fell on the bird. The owl seemed to be okay, except for the way it was limping and favoring its left leg.
She sat on the ground slowly and put the ball away as she got closer to the bird. She moved her hand towards the bird, trying her best to seem trustworthy after the stunt she pulled earlier. The bird was hiding itself in its cute dark brown wings as if not seeing Edalyn would make her go away. She gently placed her fingers on the owl’s leg as she tried to soothe the pain, she knew it’s working as the familiar warmth of magic was concentrated in her finger tips.

As soon as the warmth stopped, she pulled away and tried to see if she could catch a glimpse of the owl’s face. To her surprise, she found the bird looking at her curiously through his cute feathers. If she was being honest, it seemed like the owl was judging her, not in a bad way.

“Don’t look at me like that! You’re the one who thought flying away with my ball was a good idea!”

The owl did not budge, staring intently in her eyes and through her soul. It felt as if the little creature was something more than a bird. The wisdom in its eyes was not normal. She doesn't know why she explains, but she does.

“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was just trying to get my ball back..-”

“Too noisy.”

She came to a halt. She was certain the owl just talked. The. Owl. Just. Talked.
Her eyes widened as she was now staring at the owl silently, owlishly, if she dared say. She finally mustered enough courage to use her voice again.

“What?”

“The ball’s noise was disturbing, it didn't let me hear the music.”

“First of all, what kind of owl are you and why can you talk? Secondly, music?”

“I’m no simple owl, little lady.” Said the bird, offended. “I’m a palisman. And I can talk, but not everyone can understand me. You must know this stuff as you seem to be the 'Acestor' .”

“Aaah, I get it now, you’re a…wait, sorry, the what now?”

The Owl rolled his eyes, finding the conversation exasperating.
“A palisman! The divine spirits inhabiting the Palistrom wood carved by..-”

Eda interrupted immediately.
"Yeah no, I know what you are. I meant the other part. I’m the what now?”

“The, uh…Acestor?”

“Yeah that. What in the Tartarus is that?”

"You don't...? But you have the gift!” The bird practically cried the last part out, surprised.

“Quiet, you! Do you want everyone to hear you?” Eda's finger flew over rapidly and gently rested on the birds beak, pleading.

The bird shoved her hand away calmly with his wing.
“You do remember that not everyone can understand me, right?”

Eda’s face grew hot and let out an exasperated sigh. She cleared her throat and acted nonchalant, looking utterly silly with the heavy blush dusting her cheeks.

“Alright Mr. Owl palisman. Yes, I know I can do weird stuff, but I am not planning to let anyone know I have this power.”

“But you’re a natural! How come?”  The Owl looked too betrayed for someone who'd just met her.

“I just don’t want to.” She says stubbornly as she held herself; this conversation never gets easier, despite its constant presence in her head. She knows the owl isn’t convinced by the way he tilts his head, expectantly; she decides to let it out, who knows, maybe it cleared her mind; or at least lessen the heaviness she’s been feeling on her heart for a long time. “I don’t see these powers as a blessing. This “gift” has brought me nothing but responsibilities I never asked for!” She said, as her eyes started burning. She remembers the way these powers, in a sense, took her sister from her; the pressure and expectations it brought. It wasn’t too hard to see the way Lily drowned herself in her books and training just so she could be better at controlling her gift, leaving her little sister behind as she dedicated everything to magic. She admires her sister for her commitment, but she can't stop imagining a world where they were normal, where they were happy.

The owl didn’t utter a word. Lost in thought, taking each word into consideration. As the owl shook himself out of thought and tried to say something, their moment of silence got interrupted by something else. A whistle, and not any whistle. The highs of the melody made her float and the lows pulled her down in the deep, the quick sequence made her feel the rush of flight, the soft echo felt like dancing alone in the storm. It made her feel warm, a gentle touch, caressing the very soul; then the same rhythm drowned her in the cold cruel waves of sorrow, simply for the change in tone. A few minutes went on as the two stayed in silence, only the whistle echoed through the forest, it was as if the world had stopped to listen to the melody. Then came the end and the world started moving again, Edalyn took a deep breath, feeling as if her chest had become lighter.

“What was that?” Asked the girl, awe and admiration evident in her squeaky voice.

“That’s the reason why I wanted your ball. You were making excessive noise. That beautiful sound you heard? They are as blessed by the Muses as you were by the far-shooter. They come around here often. ”

The girl hadn't been paying attention, she paid no mind to the palisman as she moved to find the source of the euphonious sound. She pushed through the thick bushes cautiously, ignoring the owl flying silently around her. She stopped as she caught sight of who was responsible for the voice that caused an emotional turmoil within her, physically and mentally ruin her, with a mere whistle.

There sat a petite figure, around her age, leaning on the Willow tree as they whistled. Their hair baby blue, just the opposite to her ginger.

She couldn’t help but to get closer. She tried her best to stay hidden and she would’ve been successful if it wasn’t for the owl who, seemingly from the moment they met, had made it his life’s mission to mess with the girl; Titan knew what she’d done to deserve the Palisman’s wrath and vengeance. The owl grabbed her by the back end of her short poncho and pulled it over her head, pulling her out of her hiding place as he did so. The girl couldn’t help but let out a grunt as she fell, throwing her ball ineptly towards the willow tree's general direction. Her not so graceful landing caused a bit of pain, but she couldn’t care less as she realized the quiet whistling had stopped abruptly. She raised her head immediately, her hand pushing the poncho out of her vision. Two forest green orbs were staring at her; the baby blue fluffy fringe of theirs covered their forehead; the light color of their hair contrasted with the dark skin tone of theirs; it reminded the girl of chestnuts and cinnamon.

“What…are you doing here? There’s nothing in this part of the woods.” She heard them say, their voice breathy, high pitched, beautiful. They had caught her ball with one hand, the other holding a closed book in their lap, looking at her expectantly.

“H-Hi, I’m…I’m sorry for intruding. I was practicing when I lost my ball, and then I met this owl, and..-” She stopped talking to prevent embarrassing herself further. She stood up and began brushing the dirt off of her as she took a deep breath. “My name’s Edalyn, and I was just passing by as I happened to hear the melody you were whistling earlier. It was...beautiful.” The words came out way softer than she intended to, too sincere for her liking, but it didn’t matter what she liked anymore, her brain was on lockdown and she had to deal with the consequences. She couldn’t keep her composure to save face in front of the only person she’s ever found intriguing in a very long while, could she?

Edalyn watched as they blushed helplessly, their cheeks and cute ears tinted a faint red. Sincerity of her words worked just fine afterall; she didn’t dare to make any witty comments though since she was sure her face was no better. The green eyes fell on the ground shyly as they moved the ball around on their fingers.

“Thank you, although I doubt it was as good as you make it sound.” They said with a tiny smile. “My name is Raine, it’s nice to meet you, Edalyn.” They said as they shuffled a bit to sit straight and rolled the ball towards the girl. Both drawn to the other, drowning in the other’s gaze.

Mission accomplished, Bat Queen. I think I found her.
The little owl muttered, hooting proudly as he watched the two from afar.

⋆⁺˖ ☾ 𖤓 ˖⁺⋆

“Lily!” Eda called for her sister, beaming as she got down to their living room. She felt extra energetic today. It was the day they were supposed to compete against eachother for a position among the deities! Well, a vassalship of sorts, but that was basically the path to becoming a Goddess. She knew how much it meant for her sister, she knew how hard her sister worked for this, and she had a surprise for her.

Lilith looked at her from their dining table, she was still in her sleeping gown, sipping on a dark brew she recognized by its strong aroma from a mile away. Her sister was sleep deprived.  Her face paler than usual and her eyes bloodshot.

“Are you Alright? Bad night?” Eda asked as she grabbed a glass and poured herself some appleblood. She was trying to act casual, as if she didn’t know how important today is, at least for her sister.

“Yeah.” Lilith’s voice obliged, hoarse and small. Eda noticed how the girl averted her eyes and got back to her drink.

Eda’s heart broke every single time she was met with her sister’s coldness, but she kept her face neutral. She felt a bit light headed and black dots were obscuring her vision. She felt sick.

What did I do?

“Alright girls, got some eggs for ya. Eat well and get ready, today’s the big day!”

Eda smiled at her mother as she accepted her plate, not noticing the way her sister froze at the reminder, her hands' grips tightened around her mug in an attempt to stop the trembling.

𖤓˖⁺˖⛈

“Have you told Lilith?”

“Of course not, Raine. It’s supposed to be a surprise!”

“I wish I could come and watch her face when you finally tell her.”

“It’s a stupid trial and no one’s allowed to watch except for those prissy deities. If you ask me, you’re way better than those dummies on their high horses.”

Raine chuckled as their hands reached Eda’s. Their eyes were on the ginger, looking at her lovingly, too intense it even made the lurking nymphs jealous of Eda for having the gorgeous muse-to-be wrapped around her little finger.

Eda held their hands tenderly, she’s known the muse-to-be for over four years and the time had only strengthened her feelings, her infatuation only grew. Every time she heard her name, called by their calm and raspy voice, every time her eyes caught the vibrant green of theirs, the small dimples that appear on each side of their lips every time they smiled, the simplest things caused the butterflies to go on a rampage.

“I know you're feeling nervous, and want you to know you have my support, no matter what happens.”

The simple reminder of the trial was nauseating, Eda held onto their hands a bit tighter as she took a deep breath, caressing the back of their hand with her thumb. “Thanks, Rainestorm, that means a lot; but to be honest, it wasn’t that hard. I never really liked the whole deal and the limitations and responsibilities, you know? I’m a free spirit and this whole thing feels like a cage, I’d have to give up on a lot of things. I just don’t feel like it’s worth it. By the way, I never thought of it as my destiny, the bane of my existence, unlike her." She said bitterly, but she couldn't help it. This was like an unhealed wound that opened up every time she talked about it, causing poison to pour out of it. "The decision was way easier than one might think.”

Raine nodded, understanding, considerate. They pulled her hand towards their face and brushed their lips on her knuckles, eyes closed. “That is still very brave, and I’m very proud of you.”

Eda could feel how embarrassingly her heart was practically beating itself out of her ribcage, no one understood how important it was for her, no one cared how it really impacted her; all everyone cared about was the gift and what she could do with it, the status and power it blessed her with, not the trouble she never asked for.

No one but Raine.

I should carve our initials on the violin. She thought, absently, possessively, lovingly.

Her family has been carvers through and through, her father was no exception. Her lineage was considered blessed by the Bat Queen, the protector of the palismen. She learned how to carve years ago while working in her father’s workshop; loving the life she could've had as a simple woodworker. It all seemed so simple, yet so out of reach for her; only if it weren't for magic coursing through her veins, that life would've been a given. Alas.

With the help of a certain companion, she had been pouring out her heart in her creation, the embodiment of her feelings -as much as material can convey- for her rainstorm, for the past few months. It was a beautiful violin with detailed and elegant engravings embellishing the strong and rare wood of bleeding spruce, the scroll carved delicately, like an adorable pampas fox in deep slumber. She wanted to give it to Raine on their upcoming birthday, if she could be patient. She couldn’t dream of how beautiful it would sound in the hands of a person who could stop time with a mere whistle. She had stolen the entrails of a sheep and enchanted it, then modified and used it for the violin’s strings. It was overall a tad bit gross, as Owlbert had put it; but oh well, the things you do for love, and adrenaline. The chase after stealing the entrails was fun.

It was worth it, and she couldn't wait to see how Raine reacts or how beautifully they would play the instrument. 
She had to wait a bit more, hoping for the wait to only make the result more satisfying.

She had other matters at hand anyway, she had to take care of the trial today.

She realized her clear headedness and easy chain of thoughts were due to the warm melody Raine had been playing with her bell cittern, the song combed through her thoughts and untied their every knot, calming her body and soul like a gentle breeze that dances through her hair and brushes against her skin. Raine slowly toned the melody down until it was lost in the wind, fading, replaced with nature's music.

Raine returned the instrument gingerly, they were too shy for their own good.

“Come on Rainstorm! We worked so hard on it; don’t tell me nothing’s changed.” Eda said, with a playful grin on her face as she accepted the instrument.

“You know how I feel about audience. I can play more comfortably at least, especially when it’s for you. You draw people out of their shells.” They said, thinking of certain memories as they did, making it sound even more sincere.

Eda smiled devilishly, and that was Raine’s undoing, they immediately tried to save face. “I guess your mirth and daredevil front brings out the worst in people, making it so easy to trust you; that must be why you are so good at the whole people thing.”

Her smile did not falter, not in the slightest; it did soften for a moment; the sharpness replaced with a more tranquil emotion, even though it was short lived.
“It’s still such a shame that you hide your talents, I would’ve had a pool of snails to swim in if I was as good as you.” Eda’s eyes had the usual fire and mischievous glint to them as she continued to play random chaotic notes on her bell cittern, but it felt forced, out of place. Unwanted on the face that was the epitome of mirth and chaos, it worried Raine. Their concerned gaze didn’t last long though as they were once again mesmerized by the orbs of honey and gold. Their eyes were on her as wind played with their downy baby blue tufts, as if Eda was the most beautiful thing they could ever witness.

“A pool of snails? Swimming in a pool of hard and cold coins doesn’t sound fun.” They responded absently, too far gone.

“Ah Rainestorm, always the practical one. Everything’s fun if you have a pool of snails.” Eda said, smug for the quick comeback she came up with; oblivious to the lovesick greens that watched her as if she was the shooting star that came once every hundred years.

Eda’s face tingled, she was beaming as she fiddled with her instrument. She was fighting the urge to kiss their stupid and adorable face when she was suddenly hit with an overwhelming tiredness, fogging over her head. Her hand flew up clumsily to her face, covering her eyes. Her jaw clenched while her ears rang alarmingly loud.

“..-da? EDA!” She heard the raspy voice, piercing through the loud ringing in her ears. She took a few deep breaths as she collected herself.  She slowly got up, the ringing faded gradually as she mustered a smile that barely reached her eyes. She looked at Raine’s concerned eyes as they also stood, holding their hand protectively close should she feel dizzy, their eyes wandered in the ambers, searching for answers.

“Are you feeling okay? Eda, you’ve been off the whole day. I didn’t want to push you, but you’re clearly not okay. What’s going on?”

Eda didn’t answer.

“Please… you can talk to me, is everything alright at home? Is anything bothering you?...Is it about the trial?”

Eda looked at them hesitantly. She wanted to tell them, she really did; the only problem was that she didn’t even know what she needed to say. She had no idea what was wrong with her.

So she lied.

“It’s nothing Raine! Don’t be such a drama queen, or else Dionysus might finally come for your dramatic butt!” She said, putting up a cheerful front. Raine saw through it easily, but stayed quiet about it. They knew something was wrong, Eda knew they knew, and Raine knew that Eda knew they knew; yet they averted their gaze as their hand gripped the back of their neck, frustrated, seeking comfort. They sat there, watching the meadows in silence with a pained expression.

Raine’s sad, Eda figures. She knows it’s rightfully so, but she doesn’t want to worry them with something even she can’t understand. She just had a lot of problems and this morning, she woke up feeling tired and sick on top of it all. She knew something wasn’t right, but nothing was out of place.

It’s probably nothing.

She walked away slowly, going to get ready for the trial. Raine’s head snapped towards her, following her as she got further. Their hand pushed their hair back, huffing and grabbing a fistful of their hair, exasperated. Their eyes burned. Of course she’s leaving, she always runs from confrontation. 

She never talks about her problems. Why wouldn’t she trust me? 

⋆⁺˖ ☾ 𖤓 ˖⁺⋆

“The great Hera herself shall be the judge of your trial, if deemed worthy of the vassalship, you shall be basked in the Gods' greatness and start a new life, one that leads to glory. May the better sport, the one who is of the Gods, worthy of the power and the glory, rise triumphant.” Said the man in the golden mask, the hierophant.

Lilith felt as if her skin wasn’t hers, a mere disguise, wrapped around the monster she really is. She stood strong and kept the facade intact as her eyes flew to her sister’s, suppressing the urge to break down, maintaining a calm exterior. Her sister was standing a few meters away, smiling sadly, her face pale and her eyes dimmer than usual. Her hands were resting limp by her side, not at all a pose of a warrior. Her eyes had none of the fire it always had, dark rings framing them. Her sister, the person she loves so dearly, looks sick, and it's making her feel miserable.

You made your decision, now live with it.

She mustered the courage to attack, her hands not following through, she realized. Her breathing came to a halt when her sister opened her mouth, and what she uttered next shall haunt her for the rest of her glorious and immortal life.

“I forfeit.”

Lilith stood there, frozen in place, unable to comprehend how nothing, nothing at all, could go as she'd like, as she'd prefer. She tried to speak, her voice low, disbelieving, utterly shocked; tainted with something gut-wrenching, something sorrowful, ugly, hollow, leaving her mouth like the last breath of a dying lung.

“What?” 

“This whole vassalship is not my thing, Lily. I know how much it matters to you and how hard you’ve been working for it. I don’t want that life and I don’t like to fight you over something I know you actually want and deserve more. I forfeit.” Said Eda, her gentle smile leaning to a playful grin.

She couldn’t bring herself to speak, her throat was closing and she was trying her best to keep breathing . She didn’t get a chance to speak anyway, as her sister's confession was followed by Hera’s cackle. Kikimora took a deep breath to recover and sighed.
“Emotional, too emotional. I am surprised what the great Titan saw in you to deem you worthy of the powers of a God. Go then, little hero. You’re too weak, don’t have what it takes to bear the power anyway.”

Eda scowled at the Goddess, but quickly tamed her emotions and brushed it aside. She smiled at her sister one last time before she trudged away. Lilith’s eyes were on her, unable to do anything, numb.

What had she done?

She never saw when Eda collapsed in the distance, Labored breaths leaving her heaving lungs as her hands tried to grab onto anything, seeking support. She fell ungracefully on the ground, with no one to catch her.

So that’s what death feels like. Cruel, cold, sudden. It was her worst nightmare, to die with regrets. She closed her blurry eyes, feeling a stray tear running down her face. The last thing she saw was the blue of the sky, reminding her of the blue of her beloved’s hair.

I should’ve spoken to Raine. I should’ve told my family more how much I care about them, should've been a better sister to Lilith.
I shouldn’t have waited to give Raine their gift; now I'll never get to hear them play it.
I should have told them how much they mean to me; or is it better that they'll never know?

I wish I had time to say Goodbye.

The muse-to-be was still in the meadows when they heard Owlbert, the owl's expression looked distressed, broken.

“Owlbert!” They shouted, surprise and worry evident in their voice, the ever present anxiety crawling back. Something was wrong, today was too ominous and their worries are now proven to be right. “What’s wrong?”

Nothing could’ve prepared them for the pain they were about to experience.

⛈ 

"Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve."
Earl Grollman

People often describe grief as a process with 5 general steps, each painful, yet necessary to reach the other. The first step which Raine immediately fell into its maddening grasp was denial. They couldn't help their racing thoughts. How could this happen? Edalyn was their heart and soul, their happiness, their light, their life. She was everything beautiful in the world of the living. Sometimes the beauty and strength of the stars makes you forget that they’re also mortal, in a sense, that they also can die despite all the brightness and warmth they exude. This all made it more impossible to grasp. How could such a lively star die out so soon?

Raine could not for the love of Gods believe it for a second that a rightful higher power would reap such a soul away so unfairly. They couldn’t bring themself to cry over losing Eda in the beginning, they could not comprehend it fully. It was impermissable, inscrutable; it must be a lie.

They stared blankly as Eda’s parents grieved, stared as the hierophant offered his condolences and left with a small box that Lilith had requested to retrieve before leaving for good. Lilith never came, didn’t say goodbye, not even one last time before her sister was buried. She disappeared, as if the Clawthornes never had another daughter. Eda wasn't here and Lilith vanished from the face of the isles, but Raine was no better, even though they were physically present at every moment, not leaving Eda’s side. Their eyes bloodshot, steps quiet, face bleak, lips sealed. No one heard the muse-to-be’s voice during that period of time. They were like a wandering soul, searching for a way to cross Styx, not even a mourning soul crying tears into the Cocytus, still denying their tragic end. 

They sat there by Eda’s grave, under the willow tree where they first ever met, day and night, still not able to comprehend how this all was possible. They met eachother in the sacred grounds, it was destiny, it was right; staying with her always felt right, why doesn't anything feel right anymore? They remained there unmoving, barely sleeping and only staring with dazed eyes at the grave. Many people brought food or tried to console the muse-to-be, either for pity or for getting their attention. The muse-to-be was loved by many and their state made them all worried.

On the 13th day Gwendolyn, Eda’s mother, who visited and was with Raine by the grave’s side every day, took the muse-to-be’s hand and asked them to come home with her. She seemed older, broken so much by the grief in such a short period. Why were they grieving? How are they accepting this?

Raine let her guide them, they followed her mindlessly to the Clawthorne’s, Dell prepared them a tub of warm water to wash the dirt and mud off their skin and hair and offered them some clothes after Raine had absently washed themself up. Raine had been sitting in the living room, looking absently at the tastefully designed and finely carved table in front of them. They knew Dell tried to stay in his workshop for the majority of time and Gwendolyn went around the house like a wounded animal, walking aimlessly in search of something that might give her a fraction of the happiness that she'd lost, gone with her daughters. Both were taken from her by the Gods. Both bidding farewell to their mortality, one to become immortal, the other to leave this world altogether. What Gwendolyn thought of as a blessing was now the cause of her infinite sorrow; what she wouldn’t do to change the past. The things she had no idea she was taking for granted.

There came a rustling sound that caught Raine’s attention, a rustling sound from upstairs. Their eyes didn't find Gwendolyn anywhere, too lost in their head to see her leave. They stood up and lumbered towards the stairs with weak steps as they followed the sound. It led them to Eda’s room’s door. Their hand came up, trembling as they rested it on the handle. They took a deep breath and opened the door slowly, only to be met with the little owl that was seemingly flying around under Eda’s bed.

They walked in, startling Owlbert as they did. They looked at the owl and the owl only, their heart couldn’t take the sight of that place without its owner. The place that once was resided by the embodiment of happiness, at least for Raine, was now utterly devoid of any life. Everything in the room was only a stinging reminder of a hollow space in their chest.

They crouched and looked under the bed to figure out what the owl was flying around for, only to find a rather large box there. The bird seemed calm, at least not particularly threatened by the fact that Raine could potentially see the box’s content. The owl sat on the edge of the bed patiently, his eyes locking with theirs as he nodded, as if encouraging them to go through. They extended their hand as much as they could, grabbed the corner of the box and dragged it towards themself. They sat by the bed and looked down at the box with Owlbert doing the same. They let a hearty and wet laugh out as they read Eda’s handwriting on the box. 

Eda’s longest toenail

They laughed and laughed, a sound that was not meant to be this ditraught and doleful, until the sorrow drowned that short moment of happiness by reminding them something they have been avoiding to think about like the plague.

They felt tears brimming in their eyes as they traced the words on the box, sniffling. They opened it gently and seeing what rested inside took their breath away, they gasped, their fingers went limp and the box’s lid slipped out of their grasp. They were glowering, tears that were suppressed until then finally got the chance to break free of the invisible barrier that denial had casted; The dam shattered, and so did Raine.

That’s when they reached the second stage of the process. Anger.

They screamed, shrill and sorrow-ridden, worse than the screeches and lamentations of a banshee; finally struck by the fact that she’s gone, not coming back. It was a heartbreaking sight to behold, wailings of a Muse. Their hands reached up to their chest and latched on to the fabric as they struggled to breath, trembling and bawling, unable to contain the emotions that left them shivering, enraged, and loud.

They bawled until they couldn’t breath anymore, slumped by the box, they leaned on the edge of the bed as they sobbed uncontrollably into the mattress, overwhelmed by Eda’s scent on the sheets, her loving expression burned into their memory, and the kind gestures she tried to make every once in a while.

Endless tears fell down to their scowling face gently, lips trembling, throat tightening, as if the sorrow was burning them bit by bit from withing. They roared and cursed every deity they could think of, blaming them for the unfairness and the unjust agony they felt. How could they take her away? She was the best person they knew and she was so young, filled with hope and aspiring to create a future worth dreaming for, worth waiting for, worth living for, and they took it away, they took her away. They cursed and shouted hoarsely until they lost their voice, until they can't shriek any more, couldn't talk anymore. The anger was once again replaced by the sorrow that drowned them any chance it got, causing them to collapse, curling into themself on the ground, unable to swallow, whimpering and holding onto the box like a mother to her child. They weeped, curled around the box, for hours on end. They didn't know how long, all they knew was that it was getting dark. The room felt haunted, maledict. They couldn't bear the emptiness she left at her wake as she abandoned the room, abandoned her home, abandoned them.

That was when they reached the next stage. Bargaining .

The anger that let that invasive fire aflame mere minutes ago, leading them to curse every deity, now turned into unfiltered grief, poignant and desperate. They begged, breathless and pathetically, curled on the ground, they begged the deities with their impaired voice, broken by plaintive blubbers and incensed cries, they begged the higher powers to hear their prays, to give her back to them. Alas, that’s not what the mighty deities would do now, was it?

They remained in that room, curled up to the box, shedding tears that seemed to have no end and murmuring, begging for the impossible.

The whole house smelled of death, misery and pain.

In the box rested an enchanting violin with a note in Eda’s handwriting on top of it.

“Thinking of you gets me through the day, dreaming of you gets me through the night, being with you gives me a reason to be . I didn’t like the world and the cards it dealt until you came in the picture. If having you means losing the light of the sun, I’d live happily in the darkness and cold, for I’ll have your light and warmth by my side. 

To the love of my life, My Rainstorm”

 ݁˖☁︎♪

Raine found out soon that the pain and sorrow, like the infinite tears that now have imprinted a permanent track on their face, were endless. They could not cope with the misery and pain they felt and after that breakdown, they needed other ways to let the pain out, so they did what they do best. They expressed their pain through music.

Every creature on the Boiling Isles was familiar with the melodies of the mourning bard now, the short figure with black and red cloth draped on their shoulders, moving from town to town and place after place, playing their violin and telling their tragic story in the form of poetry and melodies as they traveled, seeking a way to do the impossible, to fill the void in their heart. Through the next couple of months that they spent wandering around the Boiling Iles, they played their heart out and searched from the slums to the richest temples, all to no avail. Their melodies brought people crumbling, down to their knees from the incomprehensible anguish that they were going through, not even the coldest hearts were immune to the moving melodies as it shattered any soul it touched. 

We lay my love and I beneath the weeping willow.

But now alone I lie and weep beside the tree.

Singing 'Oh willow waly' by the tree that weeps with me.

Singing 'Oh willow waly' till my lover returns to me.

We lay my love and I beneath the weeping willow.

A broken heart have I. Oh willow I die, oh willow I die.

Many took pity on the young bard and offered them a place to sleep in or food to eat. The bard only accepted the least others could offer, living that way not for humility, but for the numbness that was ever present in the absence of their lover. And to show their gratitude, they’d play melodies that were merely less sorrowful than usual, blessing them with the bewitching sounds.

Some said the bard was in the fourth stage of grief, depression, and they would finally come to the last stage of the process when they’ve grieved enough for the loss they’ve been suffering from. Many thought the muse-to-be was long gone, lost to the sadness. Their sanity disintegrated as they were blinded by the sorrow and suffering that was caused consequently by love. 

After a while, the bard’s loud and vocal mourning came to an end. People thought the months of wandering has taken its toll on the poor bard. They finally quieted down and people thought it meant they had finally attained at least a semblance of peace. They didn't know any better.

Lean, wearing a black tunic, light red pants and maroon chlamys, clothes worn out, colors fading from the days they’ve seen. They moved with quiet steps, limbs heavy with sorrow and eyes two deep riptides of dark green, blatant windows to their heart, and devoid of any emotion other than the unending anguish. Their eyes were now framed by a pair of glasses designed for them, some say they need it since the constant mourning has damaged their sight permanently, wearing glasses to fix the constant blur the tears have caused. Their face now had two lighter streaks on the chestnut color of their skin, another thing that the tears have left behind. Everyone on the Isles knew Raine Whispers and their divine gift of music, but they also were known for one other thing. Grief. Utter agony of losing the love of one’s life.

Many wanted for this anguish, this horrifying unending torture of a grieving soul to come to an end. What no creature, from the mighty Zeus to the humblest insects on the land ever expected to happen, was for the muse-to-be to take a whole step backwards. 

Back to bargaining .

⛈ ⁺˖🎻

They moved quietly through the cave they’ve located on an island away from the main carcass. After weeks of research, they have found the place that was known in legends as the gateway to the underworld. They found out this forbidden and deserted island, lost and absent on the normal maps of the Isles, is a passage to the underworld. That was when they made it their mission to go through the gateway to find Eda and bring her back with them, or die trying.

They passed every obstacle on their way until they heard the sound of heavy breathing, the nimble movement of something lurking in the shadows of the dark path they have to go through. 

Their left hand, always resting on the firm case that carried their beloved violin, moved to get the instrument out of its cover under the chlamys and their other hand quickly took their bow from the strap of the case hung on their shoulder like an arrow out of its quiver. They heard the breathing getting closer as they drew their instrument out and got set, the bright red eyes of a dangerous creature was not even a meter away from them when they moved the bow elegantly on the strings, even stopping the very time with it. The beast came to a halt, eyes going from anger to sombre in a matter of moments. The melody was so beautiful and heartbreaking that made the beast to shrink, curling in himself and looking at Raine with sympathy and dejection.

When the melody came to an end, Raine slowly lowered the instrument and returned the gaze with a tired one. Their shoulders slumped as if bearing a pressure not even Atlas could ever come to understand, their head hung low, and yet, their presence was graceful and strong.

“Take me to the ruler of the underworld, I have a proposition they would like to hear.” Their voice was firm, yet soft and sad . Like the plea of a King, prayer of a warrior, whispers of a broken heart.

The beast's eyes were focused, his demeanor still wary, but he was noticeably calmer and something told Raine the beast might have been expecting them.

The beast obliged.

He led them through the mazes and stopped behind a large and heavy set of doors. Raine realized this must be the place were the deity of the underworld has chosen to reside in. They held their hand high to knock, but the doors opened shortly, letting a streak of light wash over them and prevail in the darkness, rapidly, as the doors moved further away from each other.

The open doors led to a path in the dimly lit chamber with glamorous pillars on either side of it, leading to a glorious throne, everything in the room was of iridescent obsidian, entrancing and exuding power . The magical fire of the torches on the walls were the only source of light in the throne room, but a dark figure was distinguishable, lounging on the throne elegantly, matching the power of the room. They looked down and found the beast looking back, they held their hand away, a gesture to show respect. The beast accepted and led the way. They both moved closer and closer to the throne, the sound of their steps and the crackling of the torches were the only sounds to fill the high-ceilinged chamber.

Raine stopped at the foot of the stairs that led to the throne, but the beast climbed them all the way up and jumped in the figure’s lap, murmuring under his breath to them. After a while, a short silence came, Raine kneeled and looked at the black floor underneath their feet as their raspy voice rang through the chamber.

“Deity of the underworld, the wealthiest of them all, Successor of Hades, My name is Raine Whispers, a mortal bard and a muse-to-be. It’s an absolute honor to be at your presence..-”

“State your purpose. The only reason why I’m allowing your breathing body to do so is my inability to comprehend why Eberwolf hasn’t brought me your reaped soul instead.” Said the voice, deep and rich, strong and flat, unamused.

Raine swallowed hard, but didn’t falter, their goal was greater than anything, even beyond a mere threat from the ruler of the underworld . They stood up straight and cleared their throat.
“I am here to offer you a deal. I am the best there is among both mortals and immortals when it comes to music, said to be gifted by the very Calliope. I can offer you anything of value I’ve got that intrigues you, in exchange for one simple request I have for you.”

Silence filled the chambers once again, only murmurs of Eberwolf, as Raine learned, were heard weakly. A few seconds later, the deity’s thoughtful voice boomed in the chamber.

“Play for me, muse-to-be."

Raine’s head snapped up as their eyes stared at the vague figure, hidden by the darkness. Hesitantly, they grabbed their violin and rested their chin on it, their other hand took out the bow gracefully and held it above the strings. They took a deep breath and slowly closed their eyes. As their hand moved the bow and the other danced on the strings, the only thing on their mind was Edalyn’s vibrant honey colored eyes and mesmerizing smile, her enchanting laughter and warm, gentle touch. They felt the same warmth engulfing them as they played their heart out, looking for a way to console a heart that wanted nothing but its lover to come back.

The chamber was flooded by a powerful surge of energy, vibrant yellow hues that swept over the obsidian like wildfire. The man gasped inaudibly, cold facade faltering, overwhelmed by the emotions elicited by the melody.

“The anguish and longing, I can feel it as if it's my own. So young and inexperienced, yet the melody conveys the depth of an eternal suffering forced upon them, such sorrow with such talent brings even a deity to sympathize with them. You weren't supposed to be here, what went wrong?” 

Raine’s melody slowly trailed away as the last of it faded in the chamber. They slowly opened their eyes as their hand fell by their side, bow’s tip hovering millimeters above the obsidian floor as the other gradually lowered the violin, holding it by the neck. They looked at the figure, expectantly.

The figure cleared his throat.
“What is it that you seek, muse-to-be?” 

“What you and only you could ever grant, yet would be nothing for someone of your stature.” Raine said, beginning with flattery. “In the infinite ocean of the reaped souls, I seek to retrieve my love, the one whom I lost, who held my heart and I held hers, who departed the mortal world unfairly soon and took the joys and beauty of the world with her. I offer you my all, only asking for her to come back to me. It was her who taught me how to live, how to feel and how to love. It was destiny, conspiring for us to meet so I could find someone worth actually living for. I beg of you, give her back to me.” Raine said, the last words hoarse, raw sadness pouring into their voice as their head hung low again, tears flowing for the thousandth time, trickling on the path they’ve imprinted on the cinnamon skin.

There were no words spoken, only silent tears and quiet labored breaths filled the room as Raine waited for an answer to their pleas.

“Her name?"

Glassy eyes snapped up once again and they came face to face with the tall figure now standing halfway down the stairs, his muscular body dressed in a tight sleeveless black leather armor with sharp pauldrons, one covered with a long silky cloth draped on half of the figure’s body, dark, rich purple like his tight pants. The man had long dark purple curly locks that fell over his face and shoulders. Two vibrant green orbs that could penetrate any mortal’s soul with a simple glare were staring at them from behind the luscious purple locks, thoughtful and a tad bit warm.

Raine never believed in the immortals' supremacy, but he would declare blatantly that this young deity was glorious, his mere presence radiated power, but his actual sight elicited respect and awe. They held eye contact, but their face held no pride to avoid angering the deity. The eyes of the deity exuded a green hue, waiting for an answer and yet, there was a knowing look in his eyes.

“Edalyn Clawthorne.”

The man’s brows furrowed, eyes now cold as ice, as he descended down the stairs further, “Clawthorne…” He muttered, deep in thought. He walked past Raine and to the middle of the chamber, standing still right there. After a short pause, he drew a neon pink circle in the air, summoning a viscous purple substance that wreathed around him, turning him into a viscid figure. He turned to Raine, His irises two vibrant green rings in inky scleras. He seemed like he was listening to conversations Raine had no way of knowing, voices not meant for any ears but the ruler of the underworld. His face screwed up further as his hand fisted.

“What a horrifying death she had. What a twisted fate. She is still wandering about the bank of Styx, unable to accept her end. She as well is trying to find a way to get out of the maze and come back to you. Love is truly horrifying, isn’t it?” He stared at Raine, already well aware of the answer.

Raine’s eyes widened. Voice shaking.
“She was not escorted to the other side of Styx?”

Hades looked into the bard’s eyes absently, but when he realized, his pupils shrank to pinpoints.

“How did she go across Styx again to get back to the mazes..?” Thought the man, shell-shocked. He began pacing around, listening to the many voices of his minions as Raine desperately tried to match his strides, staying by the deity’s side for any news they could get from their love.

He abruptly stood, looking exhausted and surprised, as if this news was a sign that his realm wasn’t as under control as he believed. He didn’t look at Raine as he let the substance carry him up the stairs and back on his throne. He sat as the substance held itself around him, glowing purple, illuminating the man in the throne. He rested his forehead on the back of his hand and gripped the armrest of the throne tightly with the other.

“I’m afraid your partner has done some reckless things, muse-to-be. Something even I’m unable to undo, but I can do you a favour.” He said, voice resonating through Raine’s ears. “She has made a pact with the cursed owl beast of Styx to help each other and cross Styx. By doing so, she has to bear the cursed owl beast within herself forever. She was a gifted child of the Titan and the beast will drain her gradually to the point of complete possession if not stopped, but if she manages to tame the beast before that, she can avoid the consequences. She has already managed to move across Styx with her cunning problem-solving skills, but she won’t be able to get out of the mazes without a guide. I’ll send you to her and let you guide her out of the cave and to the mortal’s world, under two conditions.”

Raine who’s been listening intently until now nodded eagerly, not even caring about the conditions, only worried for Eda, amazing, brave, deceitful, smart, the love of their life.
“Anything.”

The tall man looked intensely at the bard as Eberwolf jumped into his lap again.
“First, You will owe me one favour and I can and will cash it in however I please.”

“Done.”

The deity’s eyes didn’t leave the bards, the determination in Raine’s eyes didn’t falter under the intense gaze. The deity sighed as Eber nudged him in the ribs and spoke again.
“The second condition is about a set of rules you need to follow while guiding her out of the mazes, if you fail to comply, she shall be lost in the mazes for eternity until her poor soul is devoured by the owl beast. Are you ready to hear the rules?” He didn’t wait for Raine’s horrified face to give him any confirmation. “I send you to her and grant you the power to find the way out, you shall play for your love and she shall follow the familiar melody of yours, even though she won’t be able to see you. She will stay a mere shadow until you reach the mortal world, if you fail, she will fade and be sent back to the middle of the maze. You will walk ahead and lead her out, but are not, under any circumstances, allowed to turn your head and catch a glimpse of her, not until you took the last step out of the cave. I repeat, you are not to look at her until you are out of my realm’s premises. Am I understood?”

Raine’s undivided attention was focused on the man, eyes fixed on him as they absorbed every last bit of the information, forgetting anything else, learning them better than breathing.
“Yes, sir. Loud and clear.” They said after a short while, determined tone and focused eyes. The man’s eyes never left theirs. He took a deep breath and held his hand up.

“Don’t look back.”

And he snapped his fingers.

Raine’s eyes closed unconsciously at the loud sound of the snap, but as their eyes reopened, they found themself in a huge corridor. They tried to look around but immediately froze at the sound that came from behind. They knew who the voice belonged to.

“..-swear this thing is playing with me, I’ve already been here before!”

Raine had to gasp and hold their breath as it took every ounce of self-control for them to restrain themself, to avoid turning on their heels and pull her in a bone-crushing embrace, to pepper her face in kisses, to nuzzle into her fluffy ginger mane. They took deep breaths and grabbed their instrument as they prepared for a melody they knew Eda would recognize immediately, they had composed it together, afterall. When they felt ready, they began brushing the bow gently on the instrument, moving gracefully on the strings, epic and mesmerizing. They played and walked forward, letting the strong pull lead them out of the maze.

They played and played non-stop, afraid that it might cause their love  her only ticket out, her faint guiding light in the darkness. They played and moved through the mazes until they saw the light at the end of their path, they smiled and walked towards the light with long strides, only to come to a halt mere meters away from the cave’s entrance as realization hit them.

They couldn’t hear Eda.

Could this all be a trap? A way to get rid of me and lock me out of the underworld, forbidding me to reunite with her? Could he be lying and Eda is already in Elysium? Would she even be there when I look back?

The doubt was driving them mad as they stood mere meters away from the exit, playing the notes as their mind processed every possibility. They were moments away from letting it all go and turn.

“Don’t look back.”

Their eyes burnt, they bit their lip and took a sharp breath, closed their eyes and moved forward. Didn’t stop until they felt the warmth of the sun cascade their body whole and the back of their eyelids turned bright red.

They were out.

Their hands stopped moving as they fell by their body limply. They have not been breathing. Tears gathered in the corners of their eyes as they let the negative thoughts take control. Their head hung low, their shoulders slumped as their arms let the instrument fall gently on the soft grass below. Their arms then wrapped around themself as their head began racing.

I should’ve checked. I should’ve grabbed her hand and dragged her with me. I should have turned back and did all the things I refrained myself from. I should have. I should have…

“Raine..?”

Their eyes snapped open and widened, pupils shrank and their head turned towards the cave’s entrance as tears now dropped freely on their cheeks. They felt as if a dam was broken in their throat, letting them finally breath.

“Eda…” They said, voice hoarse, lips trembling, disbelieving and overwhelmed. They held their hand towards the girl and tried to reach her, but their knees buckled beneath them, failing to hold them up any longer. Good thing she was there to catch them.

Eda ran to them and caught them mid fall, descending gently together. She held them in her warm embrace as their shaking hands slowly moved and wrapped around her, as if afraid to ruin a perfect illusion. When their arms trapped her, when they made sure she was really there, their weak hold turned into a crushing hug, their hands gripping Eda’s chiton like a lifeline. Eda’s hand moved on their back, making reassuring circles as the other threaded their hair. Raine was trembling with every broken sob that left their crumbled body. Eda held onto them tightly, pressing open mouthed kisses on their temple.

“Shhh, baby I’m here, I’m here. Please don’t cry.”

It’s only been less than a year, but they both looked tormented and broken by the time that had felt like ages in their separation. Eda’s hair had grey strands among them, making her look older than she was, but her eyes were as bright as the sun, vibrant ambers. Eda’s heart sank at the sight of her Rainstorm, tears leaving permanent tracks on their cheeks and their forest green of their eyes was now framed by glasses that made them even more adorable. Eda wished she could hug them so tight they’d dissolve in her, finally being one and whole.

They held each other and Eda murmured to the bard until their sobs calmed down and turned into hiccups and sniffles. After a while, Eda’s hand creeped up and cupped the side of the bard’s jaw as she tried to take a good look, her gaze so soft and loving that it made Raine’s heart skip a beat or two, their face flushed. They missed Eda so much and their heart was too weak to handle her loving gaze and her blatant adoration for them after going for so long without; their heart felt like it was exploding.

“I grieved for you day and night. You were the light in my dark life, air to my deprived lungs, color to my monochrome world, warmth to my freezing heart, and they took you away from me. I can’t believe the devastating grief has come to an end. You’re really here, you actually followed me out, you’re actually here !” Their voice was hoarse, their hand cupping the side of Eda’s face, making her lean in, chasing their touch.

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that, Rainstorm.” She said soothingly as she looked down to Raine in her arms, her heart aching for the things they’ve both been through. “Of course I followed your rhapsody, how could I not? Hearing it in that maze seemed like a dream come true, leading me home, leading me to you .” She planted gentle kisses on the tracks the tears have left behind, pressing her lips gently on their closed eyes and untying the embedded knots of anxiety and sorrow in their brows and forehead, her thumb drawing circles on the base of their ears and jaw gently, making them melt in her embrace. They felt over the moon, feeling all the pain and exhaustion evaporate at her touch. Eda was Elysium personified. They let a wet chuckle out as their hands cupped Eda’s face and rested their forehead on hers.

“I love you, Eda. I now know how terrifying it is to be without you and I hate dancing around it any longer. You are my reason to wake up, to live, with you I don’t need sleep for I am living in a dream while awake. I’ll follow you to the depths of Tartarus if it means to have you by me. There’s so much I want to say, but words are incapable of conveying their true weight, so I’ll only say that I love you until you get tired.” They said, eyes gleaming, vibrant orbs of emerald as they pulled away a bit to look in her bright ambers.

She grinned so hard her cheeks hurt, her eyes burning slightly, face flushed by the intense emotions and genuinity of the confession.

“I would never get tired of hearing that, Rainstorm. My beautiful harmony, my gorgeous, cheesy bard. I love you too.” She said as she gently leaned forward and brushed her smiling lips to the corner of their lips, planting a gentle kiss there, then moving slowly and catching their lips in hers in a deep, thirsty and passionate kiss. Their hand tangled in her ginger mane as the other gripped the collar of her chiton, holding her close. They sighed and melted into the kiss as they savored the sweet taste of her lips. When they finally broke the kiss, gasping for air, their eyes widened at the sight of the other. 

Raine’s breath hitched as their eyes fell upon Eda, her mane was now floating around her like untamed flames, radiant, bright like an angel’s halo, cascading around her and framing her head like a glamorous crown. Her eyes, piercing, glowing embers.

Eda couldn’t take her eyes away from the twinkling emeralds as her hands moved up from their neck and traced the glowing white tear tracks on their dark skin, like gold threads embroidered on glowing bronze of their soft skin, both were exuding warmth and yellow hues. They were too engrossed with one another that both got startled when they heard the steps of a figure coming to view at the cave’s entrance.

“Glad you listened, little muse.” Boomed his deep voice. “The trial has proven your worth, both of you. You both are more than worthy of the powers bestowed upon you by the Titan and now, you shall put that to good use.” He said, glancing between the confused couple.

“Who in the Tartarus are you and what are you talking about?” Eda said, confusion evident despite her attempt at coating it with snark. Raine wanted to explain, but the man beat them to it.

“I am Darius Deamonne, Hades’ current successor. I am the ruler of the underworld and a master of controlling abominations. No need to be intimidated though, I’ve only acquired this role recently. It’s fair to say I’m excited to be the one to give you this news.” He cleared his throat and stepped into the light as the two scrambled to their feet, looking at Darius expectantly.

“You have been proven worthy by the mazes of the underworld and the very Styx, causing you to obtain the next gift of the Titan, granted to the ones who either train hard with their gift or prove their worth; Immortality.” 

The two did not utter a word, too stunned to speak. He went on regardless of their wide-eyed glances.

“Edalyn Clawthorne, your magic first unveiled along with your sister’s, for the greatest purpose of them all, to heal. You sisters were destined to be close allies, great warriors and guardians of health. Your artistic nature and healing prowess were signs of your connection to the great God of Sun, Apollo. Alas, fate has other plans for how your relationships are supposed to go.” He said as he glanced over his shoulder and greeted Eberwolf, letting him climb up gingerly and rest on his shoulder. As he finished explaining, The sound of silent wings drew Eda’s attention to the darkness of the cave once more, only to be met with Owlbert’s adorable eyes. He flapped his wings and gently sat on her shoulder as he immediately nuzzled into her cheek, making her chuckle. Raine smiled at her fondly as she reacted dramatically to whatever her palisman was revealing to her.

“And on to you. You were gifted by every muse combined, destined to become one when the time came. Your extreme infatuation with literature and the way you absorbed the history and the arts that conveyed them, lead you to exceed every Muse’s jurisdiction, except for Melpomene. Losing Edalyn and the journey it put you through was your  final trial to deem you worthy of the Title of The ultimate Muse, just as fate intended.” Darius said softly as they drew a circle in the air and summoned Raine’s violin. “It’s been a tradition among the successors of Hades to give a palisman to newly announced deities; Edalyn seemed to be bound to Apollo’s designated palisman already, but you don’t have a companion of your own.” He smirked good-naturedly as his eyes locked with Eber’s. “I have an idea to fix that.” He said calmly as he and Eber held the violin and drew circles of purple and orange in the air, causing a flashing light to envelope the instrument as they did. The beautiful engravings on the violin shone brightly as the scroll of it, the artfully carved fox, began fluttering her eyes.

“Noticed how this instrument has been your closest companion for seemingly a while and thought, there would be no better companion for you than that, like a true Muse. The underworld is filled with stray palismen seeking a host, most lost their lives either due to cruel shatterers or over-harvesters of palistrom wood. This little one here, was a lost one that helped you on your way out of the maze, now residing in the instrument you hold so close.” 

Raine looked in awe as the violin shifted into a beautiful grey-brown-ish fox that jumped gracefully down and pounced gently into Raine’s lap, shoving nuzzling gingerly into their shoulder. Raine knew at that moment that they were going to be great friends. Their hand rested gently on the fox’s back as they ran their fingers through her short fur. They looked up and found Eda’s gaze already on them, warm, unfiltered love evident in her expression, melting Raine’s heart.

Not even death could keep them apart

They are going to be alright.