Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

There had been offerings before.

By now she was used to being venerated, she was a deity after all.

Food offerings were commonplace, at regular intervals that meant more to the humans than her. Thanking the generous harvest yields they obtained, given the location they resided in, since usually the closer to her the land tended to be more fertile.

Bestowing blessings was a close second.

Nowadays not as often as offerings, the speedy development of society lowered the demand for divine intervention, but still she was used to them. They asked for quite simple things in that regard. Mostly luck in hunting or keeping disease at bay, where she would ask for something in return from them. Not that she needed anything from them, but she would use the instances to prevent senseless aggression to her creations.

Sacrifice was a first.

She was well aware of the harsh conditions that had fallen onto the human community nearby.

She was also very aware of how her domain, her sacred forest, was off limits to all humans, lest be chaos unleashed by her claws.

In truth it was not an equivalent exchange for what they were asking.

But she took pity in the famished tired looking silhouettes knelt, begging, by her feet.

The request was quite simple actually: to allow access for a small portion of her forest to gather resources, mainly hunting and wood chopping, just enough to survive the freezing season that had taken them hostages of the situation.

Winter had come in along with a blood thirsty Death. Water sources had frozen solid, stock animals had gotten sickly or succumbed to the temperatures, the harvest had been scarce for the population count and a good portion of it been ruined by plagues, burning wood had been lower quality than previous years, burning faster, heating less. All in all, they were by no means ready for this.

In a sense she felt they had it coming, all the deforesting done, land reshaping, twisting her to fulfill their made-up needs, her rage was deep but often subsided.

They were after all also part of nature even if she felt like they were her unwanted children.

Alas, she felt pity on them for the same reason, and decided to permit it.

"I will mark the limits with beds of white five petal flowers, do not so dare stamp them, for I am being lenient enough. It is in your best interest to not incur on my ire."

The pale figures looked up with hope and gratefulness, chanting their thanks in unison whispers, sealing the contract between mortals and divinity.

They left as unceremoniously as they had arrived, in silence. Leaving behind the very tied up individual for her Divinity to figure out what to do.

'They did something to her...?'

She lay there, slack body sitting on her knees, and looking out of it.

Surrounded by an assortment of man-made dried flower arrangements, man-made clothes and mantles, carried there on a man-made wooden platform, driven there by manpower.

Legs tightly tied at the thighs and ankles, arms tied at her back, dressed in a white gown with gold thread accents that hugged her curves closely, her head crowned with a steel chain holding down a veil.

Unfocused unblinking droopy eyes stared blankly at her holiness. The deepness of a barren sea reflected in them. All shine they might have held, she imagined, was lost.

All that remained was a beautiful doll.

For she was the most beautiful out of all the humans she had placed her golden sight on.

Fair untainted white skin, deep blue hair contrasting harshly against it, pairing well with her eyes.

But the tarnish the weather conditions left on her weren't invisible. She looked malnourished, so much so there was little to no muscle on her limbs, let alone her torso. These could not be the consequences of the few moons past. These were seasons upon seasons of unfavorable living conditions. She must not be originally from this human tribe.

Alas she takes pity on them.

In truth Fauna did not know what to do with it, her first sacrifice. She had heard of them being offered to lesser deities.

More often than not the human was consumed in gruesome spectacle, be it for power demonstration, or for self-satisfaction.

Others preferred to keep them as slaves, taking out in them the rage or desire they held for humans, quelling and derailing their feelings from the direct problems affecting them.

But the thing is, to others humans were just that, humans. Another animal that walked on land, capable of both feeling and thinking.

To her they were more. Capable of destruction and creation. So she had made them, in a whim, and so they behaved, to her displeasure.

What to do then, when you are the one that created them? What to do when they present to you the most astonishing beauty from their kin? What to do when your creation offers itself against its own will to you, to ravish or treasure in any manner you see fit?

'I will judge it' she decides 'as an individual, for its own qualities. If its got a rotten soul, I'll devour it. If its got a gentle soul I shall care for it'

Satisfied with her reasoning she approaches cautiously. Sitting proudly on her hind legs, in front of her sacrifice, at a prudent distance.

And begins her trial.

Lowering herself to the height of the human she presses her nose close to the dress’s fabric, breathing in.

The perfume she was infused in burns her lungs, drowning most of her human’s natural scent. She takes a whiff of her hair and recoils with a whimper, covering her snout with both her paws.

The sting from chemicals, treated leather, and dead trees hits her sensitive nose.

‘A scholar or a papermaker’ she presumes. Not her favorite type of human, they thrive in the destruction of woods.

Straightening back up she loudly taps the ground twice with her tail. The birds that live around the human settlement, houses and fields, get summoned.

“Tell me what you can about this human” she demands in their language.

The crows swiftly fly down. Some perch on her sacrifice's shoulders, one nests content on her lap, the rest accommodate in the decorations.

The remaining birds bow before leaving her holy presence, as they had nothing of substance to say.

The crows, playful creatures they are, know every face and place from the town.

They also happen to have the best memory out of all the birds in the area, so it works out perfectly for her impromptu trial.

They tell her Holiness of the kindness of this human in particular. How she would give them treats in the afternoon, and shelter them at night if needed.

The crow resting in the doll's lap told her the story of how it was saved by her once.

One sunrise one of the farmers had fed up of them perching on their fence and threw stones in their direction. Luck would have it a sharp one hit its wing as it fled, breaking it. This meant death for any bird as they all are well aware of.

The human had found it on the ground when the sun had set, took it home with her and tended to its wounds for several moons. Nursed it back to health, till it was able to fly properly again. Never mistreated it and even slept in the same nest, it cawed. Treated it like it belonged to its own murder. And still, once ready to fly she looked saddened by its parting.

It was a general consensus, the human spent most of her time holed up in the book filled shed in a faraway corner of the village. The other humans seemed to dislike her since her arrival and barely paid her any mind, any visits were to ask her for resources. She spent her time alone fixing books, writing letters, eating hard rye bread, and sleeping the days away.

In a way this saddens the forest sovereign.

Taking a more detailed look at her sacrifice she starts noticing the small signs of her labor engraved in her body.

Eye bags from countless overwork nights under the candlelight.

Calloused hands, deft on her trade.

Blackened fingertips adorning her hands.

And yet her hair shined and flowed like rivers, gently dipping on her bare shoulders.

And yet, fabric hugged her body shamelessly showing her curves.

And yet, in her exploited self she is stunning.

She signals the crows to leave raising a claw.

The youngest that had told its rescue story lingers for a moment, closing its eyes and nuzzling lovingly into her sacrifice, giving a soft caw.

Her sacrifice twitches in response.

The crow then gingerly jumps from her lap unto the flower arrangements, fetching a shiny man-made mechanism. Dragging it by its chain and placing it in the spot it had been using while giving its testament.

After giving a bow, and one last glance at her sacrifice it flies away.

'A destroyer of my lands, but kind to others, and unwanted by its peers'

"Human, can you speak?" she asks "...can you move at all?" she purrs.

The human twitches in response, a pitiful moan escaping its mouth, as it attempts to articulate any words.

"Did they poison you somehow?" she asks tilting her head. Her paws go to pick up the human, turning her onto her stomach. Using one of her claws she effortlessly breaks the rope tying her sacrifice’s limbs. She turns her back up in her paws, careful not to hurt her, so they can speak face to face.

"Human, I am the soul of the forest, the embodiment of life, the reason why you breath and live. I command thee, state thine name for you are in the presence of the Mother of all Nature, Ceres Fauna" she proclaims in a clear melodious voice.

"…O-Ouro" the human begins, fighting a coughing fix "Ouro Kro-Kronii"

"Ouro Kronii, by the contract that binds your kin to me, you are to be of my property. I have judged your character and have decided against your death. But for the crime you've committed against the woods you shall work my will upon the land. Fret not for I will take care of all your needs"

Fauna brings her human close to her snout and nuzzles it into her plush bosom as close she can get to her heart. Magic flows from her Divinity unto the mortal, heightening her senses, healing her current ailments, and filling her with a weird sense of comfort, or was that the warmth of her Holiness?

"I have bestowed upon you blessings, and by my command you shall use them with nature as your primary concern" the human blinks, unknowing of what just transpired precisely.

Still in the grasp of the large Divine beast, she realizes it’s waiting for a reply.

"B-by your command..." she understands she's been sacrificed, to be honest she expected to be dead by now. This is by far a better outcome.

"Good. Our fates are intertwined now, human. Kronii. When I call upon you, you shall come to my side"

Kronii understood this was not meant as an order but rather as an explanation to the feeling of connection she now felt within her heart, that whenever she'd be needed her body would feel the calling.

Satisfied with her decisions and actions Fauna lowers the human to the ground so it can stand on its own legs.

"Well then, now that that’s dealt with, here’s your first order"

Delicately grabbing some of the offered fabrics Fauna curls up on the tall grass, melding into its green tones.

She has made a small nest out of the cloths and circled it with her body, so her human won’t get wet from the night dew and won’t lose warmth during the cold night.

"Come hither my human" Fauna calls and Kronii complies.

Tentatively Kronii moves into the makeshift bedding clumsily. Fauna nudges her to rest against her warm body, engulfing her with the softness of her fluffy tail, and resting her snout in her lap.

"Let us sleep the night away, there’s much to do when the sun rises"

Kronii is comfy and uneasy, it’s been a long day and honestly, she hasn’t had the time to fully process it all. Fatigue takes her away fast, so she hasn’t much time to dwell in pessimistic thoughts.

For now, she enjoys the best sleep she has had in years, enveloped by warmth and protected.

Chapter Text

Kronii knows hunger

The sharp burning pain in your stomach as it tries to consume itself. These days she has bread on the daily, not fresh of course, but food is food, it'll keep her alive and that's that. She's thankful for what she can get.

Kronii knows cold

The bite of the freezing winter breeze soothed soon after by numbness. She now knows the burning pain of warming up again afterwards near the fire. She often wonders how humans were supposedly wild animals at some point, how were they meant to survive these conditions without fire and shelter? Or were those natural traits to them? The need to construct communities and heat up their tired bodies by the flames.

Kronii knows cruelty

It knocks on her door one especially uneventful and chilly night at the library. She thinks not much of it. People have presented themselves before at late hours demanding some pieces from her pile of wood. The town seem to think her rich for some reason, tend to give her the stink eye when they see her shopping cheap bread and such, thinking she's stingy with cash.

The elder at the door is no different.

“What good is a library?” he had said with disrespect to her craft when she had just settled into town not that many months ago “freeloading on land is no joke here miss”

And in truth that's how all the residents felt. Having known nothing else about the world besides their plentiful harvests, living in commodity blessed by the microclimate of their valley. Sure, they worked hard and earned what they sow, but illiteracy was especially high in this region, and the capital was worried about their image with neighboring countries.

So, the authorities had decided to try and improve it in remote areas by sending scholars to tend to public libraries.

The jobs were rather simple.

Keep it open at all times, teach whoever enters how books can be a source of knowledge and teach them basic math and reading if possible. Doing that would warrant you a place to sleep, with a roof, a warm bed, and food for your stomach; regardless of the outcome from your efforts.

Kronii had learnt her craft from another one doing the same job, and had been sent out once determined skillful enough in her reading and book mending capabilities.

With nothing but her pocket watch, her one and only possession, she set out to the unknow region along two emissaries from the government. Upon arrival they tasked themselves in catching up the elder council of the town to the country’s new policy. Official documents in hand certifying the validity of their actions, they set her, reluctantly, on an abandoned house near the forest.

The caravan unloaded the bookshelves, books, and other necessaire materials, set them in the house at an impressive speed, and left her to her own devices swiftly after, a pat in the back, a hand shake and a ‘best of lucks your future endeavors young miss’.

Soon it was pretty clear, the town she was sent to thought her a freeloader. What good was she if she couldn't work the fields? They often tried to drag her to other jobs when she first arrived, new people meant more hands to labor the land, repair homes and roads that were plenty good as they were, some may even argue better than the capital kept them.

After the first week she was already labeled as worthless.

After the first month they had made up stories of her coming from a rich family to try and entertain herself with mere common folk.

After the first semester she was called a witch upon her beauty even though she seemed to eat nothing but hard bread.

Worthless, freeloader, useless, unnatural beauty they thought. Perfect for the current job they had for her. Whether she was willing to do it or not.

"Good evening elder, what can I do for you at this time?" she said mustering the best merchant smile she could. Even if they didn't like her, it was her job to try to keep them on her good side.

"You. To the meeting hall. Now." the elder said dryly pointing in her direction and then to the building mentioned, he then turned and left for said building immediately, not waiting for an answer.

Kronii gathered herself, a bit exasperated by the treatment but used to it. Turning off her candle light and locking the door behind her she followed the same path the old man took.

Even before entering the building the aura it gave was unsettling.

Whenever there were meetings it would be brightly lit inside and outside, with people gossiping by the entrance, and the roar of ceaseless conversation filling the air.

‘It must be because of the shortage of supplies’ she thinks ‘and no gossiping outside since its freezing out here’, she punctuates mentally, hugging her coat closer as she tries to maintain what little body heat she had.

She crosses the doorframe, one foot inside the hall.

A sharp pain hits the back of her head, in under a blink she feels the cold ground on her face.

Before her brain can even begin to catch up what’s going on she’s being tied at the arms and legs. Cold feeling of drizzling down her neck.

As they mumble something to each other the townsfolk force her to drink some bitter liquid, still stunned from the shock she reacts too late to do anything about it.

“-hit the darn idiot too hard!! Look at all that blood! What are we gonna do if she dies before we take her there!!”

“Then we just offer her dead body as sacrifice. There’s no ritual that even tells of one being made to the wood’s beast, just get ‘er ready you numbnut”

Freezing cold water hits her body as she is dipped in it with a muffled splash, her nose stings with the scent of boiled flowers. The room is spinning, her eyes can’t focus on anything, it’s too dark even if she wanted to make out what was happening. She feels when they rob her of her clothes and lather her in some scented oils. The disorientation does not allow her to process quite well what’s happening exactly.

She’s having trouble thinking straight, her head is spinning, palpitating, she can’t focus her sight, everything is blurry and dull, her body feels heavy, limp and unresponsive.

There should be pain but all she feels is nothing. Her body won’t answer her. Every time she tries to move it gives back numbness and despair.

As her eyes finally adjust to the meager light available, she sees the main authority figures along with their main family members preparing some sort of flower arrangements over a wooden platform in the middle of the room, where the chairs usually are set. They keep mumbling between themselves and she can see them discussing aggressively over the positioning of what she can only assume are some of their finest embroidered cloths the town had to offer.

What’s going on?

Wasn’t this just going to be yet another meeting where they just blamed the town disasters on her arrival, as they did?

Weren’t they just going to yell at her again to abandon her useless papers and help get some real work done?

Yet they dressed her in some weird garbs and adorned her head with something heavy, which wasn’t helping with the head palpitations.

“Oh great, she’s not bleeding anymore. Got everything ready elder”

“We depart then, go get the wood choppers so we can carry the offerings into the woods”

Veiled by a deep darkness the forest whispers, breaths, and sways in frightening shadows.

A group of humans stain the sacred grounds with heavy steps and hushed voices, as they traverse the uncharted but well-known path ahead, torches lit and pointed in no direction in particular.

Kronii wants to voice her complains but she can’t. She wants to turn and run away, but how could she when her body is so far away, so she feels nothing.

They advance, further in the woods, the swaying from side to side in her makeshift transport is making her nauseous, yet she feels nothing.

Forcefully seated on her knees she can tell the cold air on her damp skin is starting to freeze her torso.

Yet she feels nothing.

The trees part, making way to a clearing close to the feet of the mountain. Her eyes wander lazily over the dark woods, landing in quiet surprise over a large animal. As the beast comes into view, Kronii does not seem shaken by it, even though inside she already understood it all.

As they converse with the beast she finishes her train of thought, long lost behind the bitter liquid sticking to her brain. They wanted to be rid of her and what better excuse than the current unusually harsh winter hitting the town. It must not have taken much to decide on her as a sacrifice to the beast before them for their own gain.

Two birds one stone.

‘They despise me so to seal my fate against my will? To set me for a painful death they won’t know? Am I that despicable that the world would rid of my presence in this manner?’ if she could feel she would cry, or so she wants to believe, for she cannot feel.

"- am being lenient enough. It is in your best interest to not incur on my ire" the deep rumble of roared words shake the bodies of her executioners. Lowering the wooden platform to the ground as they gave their thanks to the beast covered in shadows they leave as uncalled for as they came.

Satisfied with their pact, they left her there in front of it, immobile, immutable, immaculate.

Kronii felt lightheaded, she strained her vision as much as she could to look up to her keeper. The large sacred beast betrays its expected behavior in the gracefulness it conducts itself with.

Beast towering over her, two glowing golden ores the size of moons stare from above. Long slender body, rear legs resembling those of a horse, front paws with claws shinning on moonlight an obsidian hue. A long green mane running from its dragon head up to its long tail, where it fluffs out. Atop its head two massive horns resembling tree branches.

Grand, majestic, royal.

Terrible, menacing, horrifying.

A stern gentle look on its big golden eyes, it crooks its head in silent question, before settling its large body in front of her, scrutinizing it from a safe distance. Kronii would feel fear is she could, all she can manage is to clench her fists.

Wait.

She can feel her hands again.

Kronii feels a pressure in her chest. Her perception of time has been twisted so much she hadn’t realized when the beast shortened the distance between them. She was being smelled? She could feel the warm breathing into her clothing, a scorching sting from the heat difference.

Her senses slowly returning to her as the beast recoiled from sniffing her head. Was it really so bad to make such a big deal about it? Kronii liked to believe she was the cleanest in town at the very least, this offended her pride a notch. Wait this is no moment to be concerned about such nuances, she’s about to be devoured surely. Or does she smell so bad that not even the animals can stand her presence?

The ground shakes twice and she hears the fluttering of wings. The beast chirps in the direction of the summoned birds. Kronii can feel some perch on her shoulders, others land nearby. A familiar weight lands on her lap.

‘Oh. Hey little buddy, long time no see’ she still can’t speak up any words but that won’t stop her from conversing with the crow in her lap. After all she spent more than a month with it, she missed the company it provided her with, but decided against keeping it inside, after all it was a feral animal, and a bird must be free to fly wherever it wants to, or so she believes.

She began to slowly recover her senses, aided greatly by the small amount of warmth and reassurance the crow cawing in her lap provided. They seemed to be discussing something with the Divine beast, or more like they were telling it a story.

When the cawing stops the large beast ceremoniously raises a claw and the rest of the crows take their leave. Her little buddy looks at her in the eyes, she tries her best to do anything to communicate with it as it nuzzles into her, like it used to on lonely nights, accompanying her with its soft plumage and conversational nature.

Nostalgia crawls up from the oddly cold place at the back of her head, happiness welds into her heart.

‘Thanks buddy, I love you too’ she thinks fondly.

Throbbing pain settles in the previously bleeding wound, her senses coming back with the strained ligaments of her limbs, legs falling asleep from the forced position, her wrists and ankles burning with the friction the rope had worked on her skin, something cold and hard lands on her lap.

‘Aah well, at least they had the decency to leave me my watch’

The ground is suddenly far away, she feels warm paws lift and turn her to break her bindings. Fear overtakes. She’s gonna be eaten surely, a small treat for a creature this big. Eyes shut as the head ache and numb skin come ignored in favor of breaking into a cold sweat and hyperventilation.

She’s forced to face the beast eye to eye. A low rumble leaving from behind its sharp teeth.

"Human, I am the soul of the forest, the embodiment of life, the reason why you breath and live. I command thee, state thine name for you are in the presence of the Mother of all Nature, Ceres Fauna" the beast proclaims in a clear uncanny human voice.

"…O-Ouro" she feels compelled to reply, as if she’s not on control of her own words "Ouro Kro-Kronii" her body fights to answer clearly, her throat feels dry and overused.

"Ouro Kronii, by the contract that binds your kin to me, you are to be of my property”

‘…so I won’t be a snack?’ she thinks still baffled at the clear manner she is being talked in.

“I have judged your character and have decided against your death” Kronii has the vague feeling she’s going to have to feed and pamper certain crows a whole bunch “But for the crime you've committed against the woods you shall work my will upon the land. Fret not for I will take care of all your needs"

‘Being a scholar?’

A warm breeze hits her bosom, damp snout nuzzling on her, it feels like it’s trying to dig under her skin and reach further. There’s a weird tingling sensation spreading from its touch, all over her skin, coating her in a thin mantle of comfort. It seeps into her skin, to her insides, she feels it filling her completely, and in an instant the pain on her head fades away, the fatigue from work leaves her, the fogginess from lack of sleep disappears.

"I have bestowed upon you blessings, and by my command you shall use them with nature as your primary concern" Kronii blinks once, twice.

Understanding escapes her grasp, all she knows is she’s being spared her life by a miracle, and to top it off she has been gifted health and something else she can’t quite comprehend yet.

Still in the grasp of the large Divine beast, she realizes it’s waiting for a reply.

"B-by your command..." she understands she's been sacrificed, to be honest she expected to be dead by now. This is by far a better outcome.

"Good. Our fates are intertwined now, human. Kronii. When I call upon you, you shall come to my side"

Kronii understood this was not meant as an order but rather as an explanation to the feeling of connection she now felt within her heart, that whenever she'd be needed her body would feel the calling.

Her liege lowers her to the ground, allowing her to stand on her own legs.

‘She looks proud of her actions somehow’ Kronii thinks

"Well then, now that that’s dealt with, here’s your first order" her Holiness commands and she perks up to comply.

Kronii is a bit lost at what she does, thinking she would be put to work at once. The forest sovereign has other plans however, and pushes her into the makeshift nest, permitting her not only to keep her life but also to get the, possibly, safest place to sleep in the world.

Sleep takes her that way, engulfed in warmth, feeling protected. Warm breath and speedy heartbeat from her liege her lullaby.

Life in the woods isn’t as bad as it first sounded.

Kronii is impressed by how fast she got used to it. Well, she didn’t have any reason to go back to her shed/library, nor any rush to do so in the first place. Here she was welcomed, cared for, not only fed, not only having the most comfortable place to sleep in her whole life, but cared for!

Her job was surprisingly simple. The Divine beast had made it sound like she was gonna get put to work apt for a slave.

Or at least that’s how Kronii took it.

She spends her days tending to small infights the animals may have over territories or what not. It’s awfully similar to what the justice system is in big cities. She moderates the conversations and, ultimately, has the last word in whatever is at stake.

The first few weeks she was quite surprised by how well behaved the inhabitants of the forest can be, not to mention her surprise at being able to comprehend animal speech. Unlike humans they were being quite reasonable when she gave her verdicts, there had been only one instance of a fight and it did not get to the point of physical aggression.

Getting requests done here was a breeze compared to the pressure she had on her human job. No weekly report letters to the capital explaining how she was not welcomed and requesting relocation, only to be answered briefly with what can only be resumed as a ‘try harder then’. No more hateful looks or loud gossip when she was nearby, so she could hear it clearly every time.

She even feels accomplished now!

Not a burden but a helper. No one blames her for what she does, since they are actually the ones that often go to her to ask for advice. Why was she granted so much freedom in her decisions she couldn’t say.

‘Does she trust me so much to not betray her in any way? Or is it that it’s feasibly impossible to hurt her in any meaningful way?’ she’s patrolling the area near a river, lost in thought ‘Wait why am I assuming I’d want to hurt her… Do I wanna hurt her- no of course not, she’s been nothing but kind to me, all she has asked in return is my assistance with the animal’s requests for help’

Her queen is no tyrant, as others would have it.

What she had gathered from the legends and spoken history from the town, which she had tasked herself in recording to get something done instead of mindlessly waiting for every day to be over with, were stories along the lines of a heartless monster inhabiting the nearby woods, and if you were brave enough you might ask for good fortune in exchange of penitence. Hell, the town’s people offered food twice a year in an ‘attempt to appease the rage’ from her liege!

The same individual that was now playing with the pups of the forest, lending her large body as a playground to birds, felines, rodents, and canines. Patiently replying to their childish questions. Lazily moving its tail away from the bitey ones. She never reprimed them.

“They are but children, and all children deserve play and answers to the new things they experience. Is that not how humans have been doing so too?” Fauna always talks in a hush tone when they go to sleep, like she needed the silence to remain in the area.

Kronii grew used to sleeping in her makeshift bed, body pleasantly warm, and safety assured. Her goddess would not allow her to sleep anywhere else.

“That depends, my liege” she shifts to be closer to the fluffy ears of her employer, “If you’re from a well-off family you may have all that and more. If you were born a rat on the streets…you either learn by force or get stepped on by everyone else”

Night talking between them became the norm, the sovereign’s curiosity for the current human customs satiated by the knowledgeable scholar.

“I just don’t understand why you segregate each other when in truth you are all equal” Fauna sighed out, a bit tired of this whole hierarchy thing humans had going on. It felt so arbitrary to her.

“Well, some would beg to differ, my liege”

“I guess that explains why you’re so uptight and refuse to call me by name like I asked to” one big scornful golden eye looking at Kronii with faked exasperation in her voice tone.

“…” she’s pouting now

“Good night Kronii” she nuzzles her snout on Kronii’s hair, making a mess of it.

“Sweet dreams, my liege” she grumbles back.

“What is that shinny thing for”

The days were beginning to warm again, but only under the sunlight.

“It’s a watch. It tells time see? You wind it here, and the hands tell you the time”

They are resting in a flower bed, Fauna liked to call it her secret garden, since she forbids other animals from entering.

It was basically her room.

Kronii is excitedly explaining how the ‘watch’ in her hands works, the inside mechanism, how it can be given life with some turns of a nub, and the pleasant ticking sound it makes and its meaning.

Fauna is more than content to listen to her cute human explain things to her, putting all her attention and brain power in understanding what it all meant. One thing eluded her in this particular explanation though.

“What is time?”

“It’s… ermm… huh this is kind of hard to explain…” Kronii looks lost in thought.

Fauna thinks Kronii looks handsome when she can see her brain beginning to expel smoke from overheating. She gets easily lost in the way Kronii hums as she thinks, looking upwards as if the clouds could give her an easy answer, opening and closing her mouth from time to time, showing glimpse of her small fangs poking out.

“My liege, apologies, I don’t seem to be able to explain this… but I can at least tell you that you, particularly, measure time in seasons” she looks devastated at not having an answer to her Divinity.

“Oh, I think I know what you mean”

Kronii perks up after that, at least she wasn’t a failure. Not that Fauna ever thought of her as such.

“I’m just you know… overwhelmed a bit” Fauna begins “you were all not so long-ago banging stones together and suddenly you start mastering things I can not quite grasp”

The days blur into one another, Kronii can tell the time of the day with her watch, but besides that everything else she has begun to tell by the seasons. It’s early morning and they patrol the areas near human settlements.

She’s riding on Fauna’s back, by her request of course, Kronii doesn’t have the gall to ask her for a ride for no reason. The morning autumn breeze cools her face, so she buries it deeper into the green mane, warm and fluffy.

Sunlight filters from the gaps of the tree tops shedding their colorful leaves around them. The crunch of crispy leaves under Fauna’s paws is very satisfying to Kronii.

“I wouldn’t say we abandoned nature per se, but more like we molded a good portion of it to our liking” Kronii whispers pensively into her Divinity’s mane.

“I also don’t enjoy that very much” Fauna says with a soft growl “nature had all you would ever need! Why reshape something that already has all you could ever want?”

“I guess we just wanted to make things our own? In some twisted way, not caring much about the environment around us. We are a knowledge hungry species after all… well some of us are, the rest are, you know, power hungry” Kronii is speaking with her hands, now sitting up, eyes peeled for any intruders in the sacred grounds.

“That does not give you all the right to destroy the habitat of other species though”

“Agreed. In our defense, there are several humans researching nature and its wonders, including animals, plants, and what can’t be seen by the naked eye. They try their best to influence others to not make a wreck of habitats”

Kronii grew used to these conversations with time. At first, she thought Fauna was taking out her frustrations on her but it wasn’t that, she just wanted someone to talk to about her complex emotions about them. Her other creations are intelligent and sentient but not all to that degree of understanding complex topics like these.

And in all honesty, Kronii enjoyed these talks because they allowed her some mind exercises and some of her beloved existential questioning to be added in them.

“I can feel your species severing the special link I share with all of you, ripping it from your hearts and casting it away into oblivion, almost like it was hurting you” her ears are pressed against her face, tail low to the ground, Fauna feels dejected “I fear sometimes I can no longer call all of you my children”

They talk about how she cornered herself in the patch of woods, involuntarily running away from her creation that was threatening her livelihood. About how humans abandoned nature and as time went on a piece of themselves that was linked to fauna was severed, so it’s hard to distinguish were they are or what they’re doing, or influence them in the same ways she influences other animals.

Kronii understands. But there’s nothing she can say about it to kiss the wound better. She listens and runs her fingers through green hair, reassuring the beast under her that she will be with her no matter what, that she call talk all she want, she’ll be there to listen and support.

She hopes Fauna understands.

Footsteps run after her, mightier, angrier, faster.

She knows the route but can’t reach far enough. It’s so dark how can she tell it’s the right way? Thunder in her ears, pressure in her chest, she’s running but can’t get away, her breath can’t catch up she’s screaming and panting and running and running and run-

"Kronii!!"

"Huh"

"Are you okay sweetie? You were screaming and turning in your sleep"

Her cheeks are wet. Crying on her sleep was not uncommon in the town. Nightmares were not uncommon in her life.

Nightmares of times long past where hunger was the only constant on her life and robbing her only means to survive. She wants more than anything to never dream again of humid alleyways and putrid smelling food to keep her alive by a thread.

"I-I’m ok now" she’s still gasping for air.

If she had not met her mentor, she’d be on the same rush now. If she hadn’t had the luck of meeting a gentle blonde to teach her her craft she wouldn’t be alive. She doesn’t wanna think too hard about that part. It makes her stomach turn and twist in agony.

The watch is tightly clasped in her hands, her good luck charm to lift away the bad dreams that haunt her. A memento from her old master.

“Shhh it’s ok Kronii, I got you sweetie, no one can harm you here. Breathe dear.” she even has someone who cares deeply for her wellbeing now.

Fauna’s paw pads caress her face carefully with concern. She leans on the touch, closing her eyes, collecting herself.

“Sorry” Kronii sniffles. She feels the need to apologize, what for? She’s not sure.

“Don’t be” Fauna’s tone is soft, concerned and controlled “I’m here to protect you, nothing nor no one can harm you. I’m here if you want to talk about it too”

Fauna picks her up and nudges her between her forearms, using the fur on her face to dry the human’s tears.

“Thank you…Thanks Fauna”

Fauna smirks at that, finally she’s calling her by name, maybe not the ideal situation but they are making progress in opening up to each other.

She loves the way she looks so proper like that.

Fauna is scolding some human children that trespassed knowing of the dangers. Sitting up straight, towering, mighty and regal as she talks softly, but firmly, to the cowering youth.

She loves the sight she gets from that up close.

Fauna is watching her working the dead wood into a mug with a knife she got from a passing caravan. Golden orbs watching her intensely from her lap, doing their best to figure out the human objects she makes. Whiskers pointed forward in anticipation of what’s before her. Kronii wonders if she is aware she purrs when she’s doing that.

She loves the gentle tone she’s spoken to.

Fauna is telling her some bedtime stories, the lilt of her soft lullaby soothing the nightmares away. She hasn’t had any in many seasons but that doesn’t stop the gentle giant from worrying about her small human.

She loves her empress.

Oh dear.

She loves fauna.

Kronii is totally not freaking out internally at the realization.

It totally didn’t take her by surprise just now talking to her.

No, no, she’s normal about it.

Casual.

Her voice cracks when speaking ‘cuz she wanted it to, yes, yes.

Oh dear.

Chapter Text

The grass hugs her bare feet as she emerges from the depths of the woods. She now carries herself as royal as her Divinity. Seasons upon seasons show in her lengthy hair. Still, she is as dazzling as ever.

"I advise against this decision" she barks back at the humans constructing awfully close to the forest "I wouldn’t like to see any bloodshed for something that could surely be placed elsewhere"

“Well then missy, dunno who you think you are but these are direct orders from the High King himself, so off with ya” the chief from the construction workers replied with a tired face. He didn’t sign up for this, the lady in front of him had been opposing his man transporting machinery to the designated location for a few weeks now, always threatening empty handed of supposed bloodshed. He doesn’t even know why they stopped in the first place, ‘damn superstitious bunch they are’

“Fine then, have it your way” she has no patience for those who won’t listen.

Below them the ground froze in an instant, their boots stuck to the ground where they stood. Panic took hostage over the faces and souls of the workers.

"Leave at once, else I shall make you the warning for the next group of fools that so much as dare sully these sacred grounds”

“I will NOT be intimidated by cheap circus tactics, I’ll take this as an act of treason against his majesty!” exasperated by the attitude of both parties the construction chief unsheathes his dagger, stance ready for body-to-body combat as he kicks his feet off the frosty ground “Have at you, witch!”

She staggers for a second, no one had been so bold, so stupid, to press on after she warned them.

“You think this is some sort of visual illusion? Are you right in the head?” luckily she had a plan for such occasions, fueled mostly by her own paranoia of them happening in the first place.

A swift movement of her arm had a flock of crows pecking and scratching at the humans, if they weren’t scared before now they were. Even the feisty overseer cowered under the feathered menace onslaught, though it’s rage must have been boiling as it dared throw the dagger with manic speed and precision in Kronii’s direction, wounding her stomach with a shallow but long scratch, before swiftly fleeing the scene along with the workers.

She hissed at the burning in her open skin, daring to look at it closely before determining it not being lethal by any means. Allowing herself to bask in a brief moment of anger she took the dagger rusted it with her blessing, and threw it to the ground to break it, so as to signal them that if they ever come back to be prepared for more.

“Well, that went amazing, didn’t it?” a heavy sigh escaping her as she extends her left arm “Hey there, Little buddy” her tone shifting to greet her feathered friend.

“Hey there, big human” the crow sang in reply, a notch of worry in its eyes.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry, wasn’t so bad. Had all of you to watch my back anyways, and it’s better the edge of the sword found me than any of your wings, in all honesty” slender fingers ruffle neck feathers with practiced care.

“Next time we should bring bigger players to the frontlines I think” cawed back the no longer little crow leaning on her hand before leaving her to her own devices, it had a murder to guide back to their nests after all.

Kronii walks the know path to the lake hidden in the dense forest, dreading the worried look she will get from her beloved monarch. Hoping to get there before her, to get everything fixed (covered) up.

Arriving at the beginning of the gravel beach relief washes over her, seeing no one is in sight.

Warm seasons like summer are the easiest ones to get baths, it’s a little more complex in winter and fall. Cold water refreshes her weary naked body, the stillness of the lake soothes her mind. Freshwater licks at her hips, wind having encouraged its top layer to move in slow waves. She inspects her wound as best she can. It was a clean cut, barely any bleeding, if anything it stung more than it did any real damage. Should heal in no time, still she cleans it with some water just in case.

“Did something happen?” Kronii wonders, with a jolt, how every time someone several times her size can sneak up to her so silently.

“Oh, nothing you have to worry yourself about, it’s dealt with, my liege” she immediately dips the rest of her body to hide the cut, in hopes she didn’t already see it.

“Are you sure you didn’t overdo it, sweetheart?” Fauna narrows her eyes. Yeah, she clearly saw it. If she could sin her greatest one would be caring way too much about what happens to her dearest lackey.

No point in hiding it, she guesses, rising from the waters to meet the forest sovereign midway.

“It’s not so bad, promise, could have been worse”

“It could have been” the scolding tone accompanied by a low growl have her recoiling. Not of fear but of shame. The last thing she wants is Fauna thinking she can’t keep herself out of trouble.

“I’ll do better next time” averting her gaze to the ground makes speaking easier at these times.

“It’s not about that” a padded finger from her paw nudges her to lift her arm “I just don’t want you to get hurt in general, and that includes putting yourself in dangerous positions. I already told you I was ok with losing that bit of territory, I’ve made peace with the thought”

“But- fwha-!” saliva slicked tongue burning her mid body, searing the wound shut with its healing properties.

Fauna licks her whiskers, satisfied with her work.

Suddenly Kronii feels very naked. Well, she is, but now she is being overly conscious about it. Soon forgetting what her argument in her favor was going to be.

Fauna had healed her like so before, but never when fully naked, never her torso, and never after she got hit with the realization of how crazy in love she was with her. The lack of clothing had never bothered her before, not the first time bathing in the open since her arrival, not the first time having two big moons staring incessantly at her with worry for her wellbeing.

But now, for the first time since then, she feels very very naked, in front of her crush, shocked by her own feelings warming her cheeks and impeding her proper usage of language in any way that isn’t incoherent babbling.

It doesn’t help her case how smug the divine beast looks right now. ‘She’s a demon is what she is’ she thinks, blood boiling from embarrassment as she scrambles back into the cold waters to finish bathing.

“I’d just like if you took better care of your being” soft giggles fill the silence in the lake.

“I am taking good care of myself, even have extra measures in case of emergencies” the pout she has on makes her voice sound funny to the Divinity’s fluffy ears.

“Whatever you say, dear; just please don’t put yourself in needless danger”

“Yes ma’am” she grumbles back.

Soaking her whole body one more time to be sure all the dirt is off her hair she retreats from the freshness of the water into the expectant embrace of her liege. The first few times she was weirded out toweling her body off on hers but then realized that it was much easier on both of them, ensuring the human didn’t catch a cold since the large beast could easily shake off the excess of water from their body. It did help, though, that the fluffy green hair was so welcoming, the sweet scent of wild flowers mixed with sun dried clothing making it perfect to sleep and relax on.

Rubbing her face on the side of Fauna one last time she sighs heavily. After the incident that just went on she wasn’t so sure any more about what she was about to ask was going to go down smoothly.

“My liege”

“My human”

“Fauna”

“Kronii”

‘smug devil’

“I know we just had a conversation about being more careful and what not but, uhm… My clock needs some repairs, and the tools necessaire for it are in my old living place. May I go retrieve them? I’ll be swift, promise, even take Little buddy with me so he can update you in case of emergency” shutting her eyes and bracing for a negative she got surprised.

“Sure, as long as you don’t fight anyone else”

“Wait, really?”

“I know that artifact is rather important to you, in more than a physical level, why would I deny you the chance to keep it alive if it has a way to be healed?” as usual the softness of her tone puts all her worries away, snout nuzzling carefully into her, with Kronii returning the embrace, still baffled that she didn’t have to fight for it “I haven’t asked though, why is it so important to you that the little ticking thingy keeps beating its mechanical heart?”

It's not that Fauna hadn’t been curious about it, just didn’t want to offend her cutest servant in any way, it was hard enough to get her to talk in the first place, let alone speak about her feelings or anything sensitive.

She was well aware of the power the small clock had over the human, anxiety was immediately reduced when in her hands, which became evident ever since the first few nightmare filled nights, she wouldn’t take her ocean blue eyes away from it, fiddling with its chain and grasping it closer to her heart, in hopes it would whisper her sorrows away.

“…It was a gift from the only human that ever cared for me” Kronii replied barely audible, shyly hiding into fur. This time Fauna was surprised. Finally, some insight on her little companion! The sad tone in which she spoke was not lost to her though.

"Are they gone?" Fauna prods, gently covering the human in her tail.

"I wouldn’t know” halfhearted goodbyes were echoing in Kronii’s mind “I think you would have liked her, my old master. She kept the library full of terrariums”

“What’s a terrarium?”

‘Cute’ not missing the chance to stare for a few seconds at how cute her boss was being, always tilting her head when asking about human society and their creations “It’s like a mini garden you can keep in a small container” the change in topic was welcome, she doesn’t know when but she started smiling at Fauna while answering, leaning more into their makeshift embrace.

“Oh, so there are other ways to imprison me that I wasn’t aware of” the huffing breath of the beast tickled her stomach.

“She also kept frogs and fishes in vivariums. The frogs were pretty lively, the fishes though… I can never tell what they feel”

“Well, your affinity is to avians more than sea or land creatures”

“Eh?”

“Had you not realized? You cannot converse with swimming animals, that’s why I don’t send you to mediate with them.”

“Huh?”

She stares back at the lake, a moment later she’s sprinting back into it, going to where the water meets her stomach, submerging her body in one go. For some reason she thinks it’s a good idea to try to speak like that underwater to the few fishes swimming near the shore. They swim near her stopping briefly like asking ‘are you trying to tell me something?’ then swim away.

“What the hell??” she comes out of the water wheezing dramatically; how did she not realize sooner that her powers had limitations?

“Satisfied with your experiments, lil’ miss scholar?” a large toothy grin meets her on the sandy end of the beach "Every blessed person has different attributes, and they tend to reflect the personality of the user. Unless they specify what blessing they want, in which case they have to pay for it accordingly"

Fauna can see the pieces of knowledge being set together in Kronii’s head as they set in to formulate something. Drying her body once again on green fur she stays silent. When she finally speaks it’s in a small voice muffled by fur.

"Does that mean mine is cold ‘cuz I’m unpleasant?"

‘How does she even come to these conclusions?’

"Oh, sweetheart, you know that’s not it.” Fauna gives her the same concerned look she does when the nightmares keep her awake, comforting and worried about her mental state “You have control over something very important, and as a direct subordinate under me you have certain privileges over my domain, you just haven’t quite figured it out yet, have you?” bringing her closer with her tail once more into a hug of sorts, helping her dry her body once more "Besides, it’s not the only blessing you have, you just haven’t figured out the rest"

"Wha-wait what I have more than one?!"

“Are you going to go pick up your tools today? Better go before it gets dark!” Fauna nudges her towards her clothes and shakes of the excess water from her body vigorously at a distance she knows won’t get her wet again before leaving the lake area.

‘Huh, why do I feel like she doesn’t wanna talk about that’

“You want it?”

“But... it’s your family heirloom”

“Think of it as a part of me you’re taking with you on a journey! I’ll always be there, even if we never meet again.”

First thing she noticed is how the town has grown.

A lot.

It could be called a city now with how big it’s gotten.

What were once fields now hold guild buildings, taverns, shopping districts, streets with busy folk, apprentices running left and right doing tasks all over the place. What was once a farmer town became a boasting central of imported goods, with loaded caravan after caravan passing through the entrance gates, where a guarded lookout post was located controlling the entrance and exit of people to the city walls.

‘Did I come out the wrong way from the forest? No, no, this was definitely the correct path…was it?’

Roaming through mint condition rock paved streets with her crow perched on her shoulder gathered her some curious looks, but that was it, no one asked anything, they were all too busy with their own work to get chatty.

Recognizing some shoddy building as what once was the meeting hall, which gave her some phantom pain in the back of her head, she finds her way through some small alleys that lead to where her old living space was.

The shed she had transformed into a library was left untouched. By humans that is.

It was infested by rats, bats, and other small animals, the place was barely holding itself up, a strong breeze could tumble it down for good. Wood rotting, moss sticking to crackled up rock foundation, windows broken beyond repair, the inside could be seen by the light entering through the freshly made skylight in the decomposing ceiling, small pools of stagnant water showing signs of plant and animal life.

The door was barred off with wooden planks and included a sign that read “Warning, risk of collapse"

'How many months...how many years have passed... a decade? has it really been that long? But... I’m still looking the same what the-'

"Do I go fetch your shiny things?" asks her feathered friend, swiftly bringing her back from her troubled thoughts.

Quickly recovering from the shock, she focuses on asking the bats if they knew where her tool kit was, describing it as simply as she could for them.

It was covered under a thick tome Kronii had been working on mending before her… unplanned disappearance. Since the area where it was supposedly located wasn’t dangerous, she allowed her feathered buddy to fly inside the building to retrieve them, coming out from the building unscathed.

With the fabric case feeling disgustingly damp, like it was melting in her hands, she realizes in what terrible shape the tools are inside it. Rust having eaten away most of the thin screwdriver and tweezers, the magnifying lens was, as expected, shredded inside the case, small bits of broken glass falling to the floor.

‘Yeah, I can’t use these…’ she muses over what to do next while shaking the powdered glass off her hands and clothes.

Of course, she had not anticipated such a great time spawn to have transpired. The thought was still in the back of her mind, but she was pocketing it away for now, she needed to find a repair shop or something akin to it, maybe she could trade the remains of her kit for some meager coin and bargain her way into the essentials to fix her watch.

‘Should have kept the stupid dagger to sell’ she thinks with a frown.

A sigh escapes her while she tucks the decomposing small case in her jacket's inner pocket, after ridding it from glass powder and shards, looking one last time at the building, with light nostalgia for a time that seemed not so long ago.

Books ruined by rain, furniture melding in funny shapes, full of microscopic life, book mending tools rotting and rusting away, her mind still trying to wrap around how much time she has truly spent away from civilization, and fighting the uncanny feeling of how it hasn’t affected her at all.

She still looked the same, as if untouched by time itself. She knew this, she had seen her reflection in the waters.

She hadn’t aged at all.

This amount of urbanization does not happen in two to five years, no. It had to be at least two decades. New people, new houses, new businesses. No wonder they were trying to expand to the forest, they were running out of space.

‘I don’t have the time for this’ she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, freeing her mind of troubles momentarily.

Having calmed down again she gives a warning to the small critters about the dangers of living in there, telling them to relocate their homes as soon as possible. Even out of the forest she was devoted to her work looking after the wellbeing of the animals.

Waving goodbye, they retrace the path taken there back into the main street. The afternoon breeze makes itself present stronger, there being less people on the streets to block it. Shops were closing already it seems. They walk down the main road, looking for any open shops that may have what she needs.

Almost at the end of the street, tucked tightly between two new buildings, they find an old shop holding many objects, not having a specific product to sell.

Exactly what they needed.

A small bell chimes when they come in, the place is filled to the brim with knick-knacks, small artifacts, and a light coating of dust which set to the air as they came inside.

In the corner a man can be seen bent over, rummaging under the main counter. Kronii approaches and clears her throat before speaking in a clear tone.

"Excuse me, is there a chance you have something similar to this, or are willing to exchange it for money?" she sets the destroyed tool set on the counter.

A familiar figure emerges from under counter "...elder?" Kronii barely manages to finish speaking when the older man tumbles back and falls to the floor, crawling away, clearly afraid by the apparition of someone that should not only be dead by now, but also was clearly looking the same as when he knocked her out on that freezing cold night.

Gasping for air the old man begins to shiver, a pitiful cry leaves his mouth when Kronii leans over the counter to check on him, wondering what the hell just happened.

"I’m-I’m so sorry! I only hit you ‘cuz my dad asked, please, do not haunt me, please, I beg you spirit go rest in peace!"

"C-calm down" what the heck why would I waste my time 'haunting' you "I just need a repair toolset for my pocket watch, do you happen to have one in store?"

Fear filled eyes and shaky wrinkled hands search fast under the counter, sending objects flying left and right, desperate to find and retrieve what looks like the most expensive clock repair toolset they had in store, swiftly throwing it at Kronii.

‘The fuck!’ she catches it gracefully "Hey, I don’t have enough to pay for th-" her exasperated answer is interrupted.

"Just take it and never appear in front of me again spirit!!" his wavering voice lingering in the air for a second before shutting his eyes with all his might, hands bond in prayer in front of himself and mumbling some old folk chant as he bows his head shaking.

Baffled she stands there a moment, giving a weirded out look to the shivering man in front of her. Little buddy nuzzles on her cheek, a silent question.

“Let’s go back, my friend” she whispers, the response caw induced a loud sob and louder prayers from the man now behind them.

They leave the store. Kronii is bewildered. This whole interaction confirms her theory. About 20 years have elapsed since she left the village.

Walking back to the beginning of the forest she inspects the new item in her hands. The new kit, fashioned in a carved varnished wooden box, included not only the basics but also spare parts, as well as a small magnifying lens set, all of them with a golden finish. The carved pattern portrayed an ouroboros, adorned with vines on the edges and sides of the box.

‘Hah, what are the chances’ she smiles defeated at it all.

She’s tired.

So much time without dabbling back in society, the shock of her age being frozen in time, what was once her home taken abruptly by nature, meeting one of her subjugators, and the desperation of her pocket watch still not working. She was feeling a bit sick, it was too much all at once.

So abstracted in thought she was that she didn’t even realize when she had parted ways with her trusty companion. Following the usual path to Fauna’s nest on autopilot, staring blankly at her for a few moments when she arrived.

For a spring evening it was oddly cold.

“Is that what you meant when you said I had more than one ‘gift’” she whispers, her voice further than she expected it to be, confusion evident in her eyes.

“Kronii, I-I meant to tell you at some point but-” Fauna was making herself small, she had never seen her like that, did she feel guilty about it? She was the one that cursed her like this so why feel guilty now?

“So you meant to keep me as your slave for all eternity? Since the very beginning?”

“NO!” she shouted in shock, Kronii didn’t even flinch, she was still taken aback “No, of course not, I just-”

“I, I need a moment” she said in a sigh, holding her head with one hand, the headache was killing her right now, she just needed some alone time, maybe that would help.

“...Of course. I’ll be here if you... yeah” still curled up at the base of her great tree Fauna answered sweetly in spite of her sad tone.

There’s always a first time for everything. They had never fought before, in all that time spent together. In these two decades. Never. Kronii being too professional about their relationship, and Fauna too careful not to spark anything that may bother her human in any way. They always kept their distance from each other’s hearts. It had been a non-spoken agreement.

But now her heart was aching. Painfully so, betrayal tasted bitter in her mouth. Betrayal? Is that what she felt right now?

Climbing steadily to one of her favorite hills the night sounds begin to tune back in. She doesn’t know when she started crying but the ragged breathing and blurry vision were making it hard to find where to sit.

After wiping away the tears with her sleeves she takes off her jacket to rub her face unceremoniously, placing it on the ground after, so she doesn’t get wet with dew.

Focusing on her breathing as she opens the carved box, setting everything she needs at the ready to start working on her pocket watch. There was almost no light left from the sun. It did not matter. She can still see good enough.

‘I’m guessing that was also a gift’ she laughs alone in disbelief.

Trembling hands working gently on her priced possession, slowly disassembling it.

‘She is probably dead by now then’ she sniffles, breathing in shakily to stop herself from bursting into ugly crying ‘It matters not, as long as the clock works, she will always be with me’ now she felt corny, half smiling alone on the hill, thinking things meant only for the high society ladies to concern themselves about, laughing at herself.

Soft clatter of metals entering contact with each other in known movements, she trails off in her mind, trusting her muscle memory to fix her memento.

She meant no harm; others would kill for this. There’s always the talk of the elixir of life in fairy tales, guess I found it. Wasn’t even looking for it, look at me go, winning in life for once.

But I didn’t consent.

I wouldn’t have been able to, was too distraught, there was no way of her to ask. Even if she did, it would defeat the purpose of a sacrifice to ask what they want, wouldn’t it.

…

Did she want me to be bound to her forever? To be her slave for all eternity? No, she’s too kind...

Do I even know her enough to say that?

Been with her at least two decades, she IS too kind for her own good, am sure she didn’t mean me any harm…But I still feel betrayed.

Why?

It’s not about the blessing.

It’s the secrecy.

The lack of trust in me.

That’s what’s bothering me most. Isn’t it?

Yes, but it’s not like I’m unmoved by my sudden lack of… humanity.

She won’t confide in me, at all.

No, that is also an exaggeration.

I know we- I evade such topics often; she is very open about talking, I’m the one that decides to keep distance.

Why?

I’m scared.

What if she doesn’t like me?

She would have sent me away long ago if so.

What if she comes to despise me?

She could never do such a thing, even in her rage she is gentle, I’ve seen it firsthand.

What if she doesn’t love me back?

…

Blue hue of her eyes reflected on the clear crystal holding the black clock hands prisoner of their mechanical fate.

She winds it up one, two, three turns of a nob.

Tick

Her heart beats

Tock

In sync with it

Tick

It brings some relief to her, listening to it soothes her boiling thoughts to a simmer, she can breathe more easily, think in a cooler state of mind

Tock

Vanishing needless worries away

Tick

Fresh evening air burning the inside of her nose down to her lungs as she takes a deep breath, cleansing her thoughts

Tock

Her heartbeats in sync with it. Whether it’s really a second passing or not doesn’t matter anymore.

Cold air brushes her bangs away from her face. She spares a moment to bask in the beauty of the full moon, the stillness of the lake reflecting the moonlight in mirror likeness, fireflies mimicking the stars on it glowing faintly, lazily scraping the lakes surface.

A rustle behind her.

Shyly emerging from the bushes, her liege. Fluffy ears falling flat on her face. No longer mighty moons, but weeping gold staring up at her, tail stuck between her legs.

“You’re free to go, I don’t mean to torture you and keep you as a slave” Fauna’s voice is pitifully sad. Filled with guilt.

“You never really did... Fauna, you’ve done nothing but shower me with gifts I don’t deserve” her voice feels oddly calm, she wants to apologize for treating her so harshly, her words had aimed to harm.

“But you didn’t ask for this!”

“And you didn’t do it on purpose. You said it yourself; blessings are granted according to each being unless they specify them” she talks in a gentle manner, beckoning Fauna with open arms to get closer to where she is sited.

“Just know I never meant you any ill, you are a free person, have worked more than enough to pay for what you were put here in the first place” Fauna replies with high pitched whines, sniffling. Slowly approaching, with a caution.

“It was a fair price for what they asked, I understand why you accepted even in the circumstances I arrived”

“Yet I can’t feel but unjust in my decision!” Fauna’s head finally setting on her lap.

“It was a fair trade; I’ve been here long enough to understand why you accepted it” she speaks softly now, so as to not startle her. Petting gently the bridge of her snout.

“Yet it doesn’t justify working you for longer than your common life spawn!”

“Fauna” she settles for a loose embrace, feeling the dampness from Fauna’s breathes on her stomach.

“You can go back and be part of what you were once if you desire, I won’t stop you” Fauna’s voice starts breaking up with a whine by the end.

“Fauna” she scratches behind her ear and hears the rumble that sets in the Divine beast’s throat, making the ground vibrate.

“I just want you to be happy” she breaks into a small whimper, crying quietly. It’s the first time Kronii sees her like this, so vulnerable in their embrace.

“I love you...” she kisses her snout, arms getting wet from divine tears showering on her body “You’re my everything…My liege, my home, my guiding stars, my family, my beloved keeper” doing her best to swipe away giant tears she stares deeply, tenderly into her eyes and states once more “I love you”

The forest sovereign is lonely

In all its existence it’s been her. Since life has existed it’s been her.

Her creations adore her, so she is alone.

Her creations dislike her, so she is alone.

The forest sovereign is lonely

So she weeps in the arms of her beloved.

She cries, and screams, burrowing further into her.

She pants and sobs, clawing at the ground below her, eyes closed as kisses fall on her snout.

"I love you" her head is being filled with her beloved’s voice.

Kronii is tearing up again.

Can’t help it, the pressure in her chest made her give into it, repressed feeling surfacing.

Fauna pulls back to gently lick away her tears with the tip of her tongue, grabbing ahold of the human on her paws, nuzzling onto her and purring back "I love you too"

They accommodate in their usual curled up pile to sleep, awkwardly at first. Both were emotionally drained.

"We can talk more about it tomorrow if you want but" a yawn interrupts Kronii’s sleepy speech "I'd like to rest for now, this day has been way too long for me"

Fauna covers her in the fur of her tail, tentatively lowering her face to be close to Kronii. She is surprised when Kronii yanks her closer, hugging her snout like a plushie.

"Can I have tomorrow off?" she slurs cozying up.

The gentle rumble of Fauna giggling shakes her for a second, she doesn’t mind, smiling as she falls asleep.

Morning sun warms their bodies. The forest sovereign stirs awake, nudging with her nose the human sleeping surrounded by her large body.

“Mmn” Kronii mumbles something sleepily, turns around and keeps sleeping.

‘Cute’

Kronii had really meant it when she asked for a day off. And Fauna was not gonna deny her some well deserved rest. So, she busies herself watching her sleep pleasantly. Watching how her arms are hugging one of her paws, so she rubs her paw pads carefully over her face. How her body moves when she breathes, slow and methodical, warm air brushing against her fur.

Coiling around her, placing her face on top of Kronii’s body she decides she also needs a little extra sleep. Guilt had been eating away at her mind during most of the day yesterday, her fears confirmed when Kronii blamed it all on her, which was to be expected. She’s just happy they could settle the argument, sort of. But things were going to be a bit touchy for a while she thought, moreso they had both confessed their feelings for each other, hadn’t they?

‘She loves me!’ she tries her best to stop her tail from wagging since it was currently Kronii's blanket. But she couldn’t stop the purring and trills.

‘They’re blooming again…’ the golden flowers in her hair shine unnaturally in the water’s reflection. Kronii looks back at Fauna ‘Hers are blooming too’

First time it had happened she was put off by it. Blooming, five petal flowers were Fauna’s symbol on her body, she had explained. A way to let every other deity know she was hers.

Fauna is stretching her limbs, much like a cat would, her mane covered by patches of snowy white flowers, horns sporting some bright green leaves.

‘She looks majestic’ Kronii thinks with a spark in her eyes.

Spring was in its brightest point. Flowers blooming, bugs and bird pollinizing, baby animals beginning their lives in the safety of their sanctuary.

“Shall we go?” Fauna calls for her, offering her back as a ride, which Kronii doesn’t question.

Hoping onto the back of her now lover she digs herself deep into green fur “Fauna, I like how warm and fluffy your mane is” she says muffled by said fluffiness. They start moving, beginning their daily morning patrol of the border of their domain under the gentle lukewarm spring breeze.

“Even in summer?”

“Except in summer” she replies still with a smile plastered on her face.

“My aren’t you the charmer today” Fauna laughs softly.

After her confession things had been awkward for some days, getting to be more open and honest to each other was harder for Kronii to do than to Fauna, but they eased their way into things, after all, time wasn’t a pressing matter.

Thick tall vines covered the expanse of the border now, assuring no current human tool could work their way through the green wall. Discussion of keeping themselves hidden and preserving animal and plant species had led to this idea, Fauna insisting on her lovely human not getting exposed to danger, and Kronii insisting on helping her to come up with an idea that would satisfy both of them.

Creating the sturdy plant was easily a success for the forest sovereign. One small detail escaped her at the time thought, the vines would wilt on winter, leaving not only the earth barren, but also the forest entrance wide open.

In this comes her beloved to the rescue. Her control over seasons coming in handy during the winter, draining her completely throughout the season itself, but ensuring the security of their sacred grounds. Willing the season of that land to be on summer proved to be the most efficient, and Kronii was getting some real work done on controlling her blessing.

In spring she was free from the work burden, still tired but she had her Divinity to assist her. Hence, she rides on Fauna’s back and they both patrolled the area, somewhat unnecessary but the human cannot help overthinking.

Despite it they often had a great time, talking about meaningless things, walking at a leisurely pace, assisting other creatures on the way.

Afternoon came and Kronii had a playdate with her feathered buddy.

That’s what Fauna liked calling their meetings anyways, as Kronii would indulge in playing around with the flock of birds, treasure hunting for shiny stuff she bought in from town, that she would hide in the fields for them to find and bring back in exchange of snacks.

Taking a break from treasure hunting they are relaxing in the flowerbeds, Kronii is making them a flower crown. Realizing too late that it might be a bit too big for the crow.

“I guess it could be a necklace instead” she says holding it up to the crow nesting in her legs.

It caws happily in response, anything from Kronii is a gift to the crow, they just love to spend time with their savior. The flower necklace highlights the shine of their black feathers.

“Looking handsome there, Mr. crow” Kronii cheers as the crow puffs out its chest proudly. She is not able to resist giving it neck scratches at how cute it looked, happy clicks from the animal preening in her lap.

Enjoying the view, bright colors under the warmness of the sun, clouds moving by the strength of the afternoon breeze, her thoughts trail back to Fauna. Their relationship had advanced forward yes, still she felt they were too stiff about more intimate moments that didn’t involve hours of talking about feelings.

“Hey, lil’ buddy, um, how do you guys find couples”

“Courtship? You need to show them how good you can fly! Then you do this and this!” the crow obligingly demonstrates bowing and showing off its wing feathers and tail energetically.

‘Why did I even ask’ she scoffs at herself, laughing at the mental image of doing that in front of Fauna, feeling stupid about imagining that in the first place.

“Mmm very educational, but nope, I don’t think I’ll do that, no” she answers with a bit of laugh being repressed. Taking her carving tools, she gets to finishing some of the mugs she sells in town every now and then. At some point she had found a small shop that awaited them eagerly, and not for nothing, the wood they were carved from was of the highest quality available, and her skill with her knifes and chisels had earned her a name in the town.

“How do humans court couples?” the curious bird now perched on her shoulder, used to watching her work the carved patterns in the wood.

Kronii flinches at that.

“...that’s actually a good question” she muses it over for some minutes, the crow knows they aren’t being ignored, Kronii sometimes ponders simple things for longer than needed, and they were very patient with her.

“I guess it depends on a lot of things” she mumbles pausing her hand movement for a second before humming and closing her eyes “mm but it boils down to dating and flirting, I think?”

“How’s that work?”

‘Oh boy, this is gonna be a long afternoon’

“Another fiction book miss?” the library lady greets her at the counter once more. Kronii was a regular at the public library, coming at least three times a week to get some reading done, and often to check out some books to read to Fauna.

“They tend to be the easier ones to explain, and I’d like to not have a headache again” she answered in a defeated tone, had once tried to explain some complex science books to Fauna and some other animals, but it proved challenging, since she also lacked the knowledge to explain them in full. Fiction was a way easier to understand and therefore answer to curious questions.

After checking out she waves goodbye, walking over to the shop across the street to sell her wares. The money she got was used both to buy some clothes to wear as well as some food that could only be made by humans.

She walks back into the forest with a paper bag from the grocery store, filled with cakes, sweet bread, and other pastries. Entering and exiting the forest grounds was easy game for her, a flick of her wrist had a small path opening, thorns and vines quickly wilting as she walks in, growing back up behind her.

Soft pink clouded skies were predominant in this season, she liked to walk back home while appreciating the beauty of it. Fauna was waiting for her in their clearing, the large tree in the middle had some small terrariums hanging here and there, a small celebration of both of their origins. Fauna warmed up to the small ornaments, calling them pleasing to her eyes.

Setting her things aside in a box she greets her lover. Fauna meets her half way in, tail wagging at the sight of her human, teasing her about the sweets she bought again.

“I don’t get them that often, c’mon!” she complains

“Just don’t eat them all at once again, your tummy will hurt, and I won’t help this time” Fauna teases with a serious tone.

“I also got you some tea” she mumbles in hopes to convince her.

“That will not persuade me to helping you when you do dumb things, sweetie” Fauna huffs, laying down for Kronii to set her makeshift bedding under them.

With everything ready for sleeping Fauna curls up around Kronii as is customary.

Kronii is still thinking about her conversation with her Little buddy. She stares at Fauna, deep in thought. Fauna crooks her head to the side, waiting patiently, she knows Kronii will talk on her own, no need to pressure her.

“Can I… can we try something real quick before sleeping?” her voice cracks and eyes falter mid sentence. A soft blush can be seen in her face, hands busy with the hem of her sleeping clothes.

Fauna hums an affirmation in response, curious about what she was thinking.

Kronii teeters half sited for a moment. Her heart was beating a bit faster than usual, and her hands were a bit sweaty, she cleans them in her clothes before holding Fauna’s snout.

Fauna’s ears perk forward, attentive to her human’s movements, staring expectantly with soft melted honey into stirred deep blue waters.

‘This is nothing to be embarrassed about, this is not weird for couples to do’ Kronii reassures herself mentally. She takes a deep breath, closes her eyes and kisses the tip of Fauna’s nose. A quick peck that makes her sweat from the sudden feel of intimacy.

‘Wait does she know what this even means to humans??’ Once again, she panics uselessly. It hadn’t occurred to her that maybe Fauna didn’t quite understand the action.

She felt a sudden breeze. Fauna’s tail was wagging so fast it was fanning her. Her whiskers pointed forward and a small trill rumbling softly in her throat. Blinking once, twice, Fauna reciprocates as best she can. Carefully licking Kronii’s cheeks and then nuzzling her back down to her bedding, too embarrassed to confront her afterwards.

“G-Goodnight, Kronii” she manages to speak out, ignoring the faster beat of her heart, and the happiness within it.

“Sleep well, Fauna” Kronii replies in a small coy voice. Her hand goes to her cheeks, feeling the damp spot, repressing the nervous giggles that attempted to escape “Love you” she whispers. Her heart content, smiling brighter than she had ever before, feeling like she belonged for once, no strings attached.

A happy whine from above her “I love you too” Fauna replies happily, cozying up further into their embrace.