Chapter Text
Deitasterra was and still is an enigma that the world may never come to fully understand. So towering and magnificent. She was born from the wishes and the prayers of the people whose hearts feel more than she probably ever could. Or so she thought.
Lapis, whom she is now, is perfectly human in every aspect. Now as small and insignificant in contrast to her past self. Still, she was the only one capable of housing the fragments of Deitasterra's heart. In her disciples' eyes, she was slowly reclaiming what she once lost and finally found.
Her past memories, although still as slow as ever, reveals to her unbidden. Sometimes, blurry, and other times, detailed and complete. It only ever seemed to happen when she falls asleep. It would be the same this time. In the realm of dreams, she becomes Deitasterra, the first and only magician. The deity who brought one of the greatest change in the world with her magic.
In the dream, she stood outside the temple, walking in the warm sunlight and feeling the lush green grass brush against her feet. The birds chirped and the wind gently blew. She didn't know if she often used to go out in the past, but she is certain that she'll never get tired of seeing the sky and the thriving evergreens that grew around the stone pillars and the trees. It was another thing both Lapis and Deitasterra have in common, if it was ever such a thing.
Ah, she remembers now. This place was in one of the grand temples in Herimka. She could smell the candles and incense behind her from inside the building. Strangely enough, the smell seemed to be getting closer to her. “Master?“ A voice called out.
She turned around, and found three of her disciples approaching her from afar. Dmitriy carried the candles while Hugo held the incense that seemed to have already been used. Zephyros, who was in the middle of the two, carried a bouquet of flowers like she almost always does when she comes to visit.
When they got near, they were so small in comparison to her large stature. Truthfully, seeing the three of them reminds her of Mapharam, Binari and herself when they were together. It brought about a wave of nostalgia as she almost wavered in front of them.
“Taking a stroll today, Master? The temple must have been tedious inside.“ Zephyros greeted her so casually, she could have sworn she was facing Sir Astrad instead. They both seem to greatly resemble each other in certain ways.
“Should I always have to remind you to speak in a formal manner every time you talk to Master?“ Professor Demian—Dmitriy, as always, didn't hesitate to take the chance to scold someone, whether it be Zephyros now, or Professor Astrad in the future. It was a nostalgic sight. Perhaps she should stop indulging in it now. It does nothing to change what had already happened.
“Oh come on, Dmitriy! I was just curious. And no, there's no need to repeat the same words every time. I have memorized them by heart and Hugo probably has too.“ Zephyros had to watch her manners when she almost rolled her eyes at Dmitry. Hugo, on the other hand, just chuckled at their usual behavior. He has long since then gave up on disciplining them.
Instead, he chose to speak to his master. In times like this, he would seem a bit left out if not more. (—Bro's such a third wheel—) It makes her feel bad for him.
“Please forgive their usual banter, Master. I'm sure you know they are often like this.“ He says with his gentle smile. She, of course, decides to play along and just nod, as if she knew the script by heart. But to be fair, she can't really engage with them in human language.
“I hope you enjoy your time basking in the sunlight, Master. But we need to make haste. Zephyros, state your business and be done with it.“ Dmitriy said in a stern tone that made Zephyros pout in defeat. In a flash, Hugo had forgotten about feeling left out and smiled (—Like a simp—) at his blonde friend's expression.
Zephyros let out a dramatic sigh, and handed her the bouquet she had been holding this whole time. “This is for you, Master. These are calla lilies, forget-me-nots, lilacs, daffodils, and roses. Please beware of the thorns.“ Then she winked at her and put on a teasing smile. She could feel Dmitriy mentally slapping himself in the face from the crease on his face alone. She didn't know if Zephyros knew she liked Calla, or if she just enjoys friendly flirting even with a deity. (—Probably the latter for the sake of her sanity—)
Impatient Dmitriy decided to leave first. Followed by Zephyros who waved at her, and whom she waved back at. Hugo, who was somewhat in a daze, stayed longer in her company knowing he should catch up soon. Looking at him plant his gaze on jolly Zephyros, a brilliant idea crossed her mind. She only hoped she could get her message across wordlessly.
Despite her large hands and the tiny flowers, she did her best to pick up one flower from the bouquet. A rose, the symbol of love, with just the tip of her fingers if possible. She didn't want to damage it any further. Fortunately, she managed to carefully hand the rose to her seventh disciple, who finally snapped out of his stupor once he felt tiny thorns touch his hand.
“Master? What is this for—” “Hugo! Hurry up or Dmitriy will leave us!“ Zephyros' yell makes him flinch. Hugo switches his attention back to his master, who fervently nods at him and swings her head back and forth from the flower in his possession to Zephyros. After a moment of interpreting her actions, he finally understood.
“V-very well. Thank you, Master. You are far too kind.“ He said as he left with a flaring blush across his face. (—He's so down bad and she knows it—) And Hugo finally joins his friends while hiding the flower.
She watched the trio walk away until they were out of her sight. Lost in thought, she finds herself beginning to feel a sense of yearning in her chest. She could tell that this feeling wasn't hers, but a wave of longingness coming from Deitasterra.
Sometimes, she wondered what it felt like to be able to talk with them.
It was always interesting to see how people interact with each other. How every emotion, every word, and every action affects two, three, or more people engaged in communication. It was such a shame she couldn't join them as much, especially since she was unable to perform the communication that they seemed to be greatly capable of.
Deitasterra does not often relate to a lot of human affairs. She has accepted that there will always be this invisible wall that separates her from connecting with the others. In her eyes, every creature of nature seemed to communicate and understand each other in their own ways, while she was just an outsider who happened to land on the soil of their home. But it seems that things have began to change, especially with the coming of Calla, her gifted disciple.
Having Calla as a conversation partner was a great gift itself, and she will forever thank whatever god allowed her to exist in the first place. It didn't matter if she wanted more.
Because it was more than enough.