The Temple of the Gods
The temple materialized before me, a breathtaking edifice that seemed woven from the most elegant of elven designs fused with celestial motifs. Its primary structure, circular to symbolize the endless nature of love, was crafted from rose quartz and marble. These stones, perfectly cut and polished, shimmered under any light, reflecting soft pinks and warm whites, and radiated a gentle, welcoming glow, as if the very walls were alive with Sune’s grace.
The grand entrance was marked by a majestic archway, flanked by statues of angels with their wings outstretched, each sculpted from white marble veined with gold. The doors, crafted from polished cherry wood, were intricately inlaid with carvings of intertwined roses and vines, studded with tiny rubies that sparkled brilliantly in the light.
Inside, the floor was a mosaic of light pink and white tiles, laid with such precision that they formed intricate patterns of flowers and hearts, guiding the path through the temple. At the heart of this sacred space stood a large statue of Sune herself, depicted in a pose of serene beauty, her hands extended in a welcoming gesture. This statue was surrounded by a shallow pool of crystal-clear water, where rose petals floated continuously, adding to the temple’s sanctified ambiance.
Above, the roof formed a dome of stained glass, illustrating scenes of love and passion in vibrant colors. This dome allowed natural light to filter through, bathing the interior in a kaleidoscope of soft, warm hues during the day, and at night, it was magically illuminated by gentle, glowing orbs, ensuring the ambiance was always peaceful and inviting.
The temple was embraced by lush gardens, bursting with blooming flowers and soft, manicured grass. White stone benches, nestled among the flowerbeds, provided spaces for meditation or intimate conversations. The gentle sound of water trickling from fountains adorned with sculptures of cherubs and nymphs further enhanced the tranquil atmosphere, making this place not just a temple, but a sanctuary of peace and beauty, a reflection of my devotion and love.
I watched as Haruki was utterly stunned by the new creation, and then was confused by his desire to check the perimeter. When he returned, his awestruck face spoke volumes, “You can do this kind of magic? This is… incredible. I’ve heard that this can be done and… well, actually, seeing that you’re a Celestial, I shouldn’t be surprised.” I watched him take his sandals off near the entrance.
Within the sanctuary, though temporary, was meticulously arranged with everything we needed for the night—it was a place for rest and for prayer. The air was filled with a sense of peace and sanctity, each detail crafted to reflect the beauty and grace of Sune. I wanted to show Haruki not just the physical beauty of what I had created, but also to share the deeper spiritual connection it represented. This was more than just a place; it was an expression of my faith and dedication.
“It’ll… be gone in 24 hours, sadly. But I wanted to create something that would please her.” My voice was tinged with humility, yet the undertone of excitement was unmistakable. Eager to share this ephemeral masterpiece, I took his hand and gently pulled him along with me into the temple. “Don’t worry, we won’t be fighting in here. I want to show you!” My enthusiasm was evident as I led him inside, ready to reveal the beauty and peace of the sanctuary I had crafted, a stark contrast to the battle we had faced together. I wanted to show him everything.
As I led the way through, I decided to hide my divine form, allowing my halo and wings to disappear as I presented myself in a more mundane guise. I guided Haruki through the temple, my steps light and eager, until we reached the altar where Sune’s statue stood. I knelt before the statue, bowing my head in devout prayer, “Thank you Sune for bringing us here and keeping us safe. May we be guided by your love and grace.”
I noticed that Haruki also bowed before statue, leading me to smile to myself as he did. I didn’t say anything as I didn’t want to draw attention—such things are personal after all. After our prayers, I gestured expansively, inviting him to take in all the beauty and tranquility of the place that I had cherished so deeply. “Welcome to the temple of Sune!” I wanted to share this aspect of myself, show him what I believed in.
I led him further into the temple, my excitement and enthusiasm undiminished as I pointed to a cozy corner outfitted with luxurious scarlet chaise lounges. Nearby, a firepit added a warm and inviting glow to the setting, “And here, is where we’ll have our meal! I just gotta cast another spell and it’ll be a feast for heroes~.”
Haruki seemed to be awestruck with everything, not prepared for the majesty of the temple. He took a seat down on one of the lounges and held his hands up to the fire to warm them up, “Thank you. You don’t have to make a feast, I’m happy to cook a chicken leg over this fire.” His tone was humble, and I noted a small smile to his expression. I could tell he was grateful for the care I was showing him, which in turn made me smile.
“Well… if you really want to, I won’t mind. But… the spell I have will certainly give us much more than we could ever eat, after which what is left will disappear, but the meal will help you heal better. What would you like to do?” My voice was gentle as I left the decision up to him. I wanted to ensure that his needs were met, and that he kept his agency without me imposing upon him.
He raised an eyebrow at me with my offer, “How do you make food with a spell? Is it like the hunters, how they do it with berries?” He seemed curious about how I do things, and I couldn’t help but chuckle softly at that question. My answer was both enthusiastic and detailed, “Well, it’s a spell called Heroes’ Feast. It takes about 10 minutes to cast and requires a spell component—which I have—that is then consumed as an offering to my goddess. She presents the food to us, and it lasts for about an hour. The food itself is blessed and will provide us both a temporary strength for the next day~.”
Haruki’s confusion seemed to only escalate as I gave him my answers, “Is it… is it enjoyable to take so much time to cast spells? I already have a little patience for the few that I know.” He looked around the room, as if searching for something, “And where would have this feast? I’ve not sat and eaten with someone in quite some time.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle softly in response to his earlier question, nodding gently as I expressed quiet joy, “It is always joyous to pray to the Lady Firehair that she may grant my desires and requests. As for where it would be…” I extended my hand gracefully, pointing to a table near where we were, set against the wall, “It’d be over there.” Haruki looked towards the direction I pointed, nodding in agreement as he turned to meet my gaze, “Well, if I can do anything to aid you in it, do let me know.” He got up and walked over to the table, as if looking for something to do.
I simply chuckled with a playful smirk as I walked back over to him and gently grabbed his shoulders, steering him back to the plush lounges. Leaning in close, I placed a light kiss on his nose and shook my head, my voice carrying a teasing lilt. “Nope. You sit here. But… I truly appreciate your willingness to assist~. Let someone take care of you for once, yeah?” I watched him blush intensely at the kiss, his confusion evident, not to mention his fluster. As I walked back towards the table and knelt down in prayer, I heard his confusion, “…for once?”
I lifted my gaze to address him in a reflective tone, “You’re the strong independent type, yes? It’s quite obvious by your demeanor that you prefer to go it alone. But it’s better when there’s someone by your side, someone who won’t get in your way, but rather, who will support you and help you achieve your goals, isn’t it?” This was merely an observation, and he certainly didn’t seem the type to really ask for or ask help. I didn’t want to impose, but I also believed that he could use the help.
I returned my focus back to the prayer, beginning my spiritual invocation, the air around us thickening with the magic of my devotion. A short while passed, and the spell completed. As I rose to my feet, the table before me became utterly filled with all the food one could ever ask for—a veritable banquet that manifested from my prayers and magical prowess.
“Annnnnnd done!” I exclaimed with a bright and cheerful flourish, but then I noticed he was meditating, explaining the silence that had fallen between us. His expression was mildly annoyed, and I realized that my enthusiastic announcement had probably disrupted his concentration. I felt a twinge of guilt but decided to give him a moment to collect himself.
Fortunately, he soon finished his meditation and stood, joining me with a thoughtful demeanor. “To answer your question, I’ll usually cooperate if the need arises. On missions, if I have to go with a group or join some raid. But usually, I’m alone. I’m not sure how to compare someone helping me out versus going at it alone.”