Archive of Our Own

Narinder had just tucked away his old sleep gown and pulled on his traveling robes when he heard a knock on the door to his hut. He sighed, quickly stowing away the sword and knife the Lamb had gifted him along with his discipleship. They were largely ceremonial, since the world was much safer nowadays, but he had appreciated the gift of agency after losing most of his power. He hurried over to the door to not leave them waiting.

Rather than the Lamb, as he’d expected, he saw Aym and Baal. And also the Lamb - they were standing off to the side, presumably having brought them over. He smiled at the two softly, before speaking.

“Good morning Aym, Baal… Lamb. Is something wrong?” The Lamb stepped over to the door, quickly explaining.

“Forneus is leaving her current location early and wanted to pick up the kids before she goes traveling over to Anura. I know it’s a day early, but… Well, I can’t say no to her, you know that Narinder,” He looked at them, slightly annoyed but understanding. She was a very hard person to disagree with. It’s why they took turns with the kids in the first place. 

“I see. I will prepare at the missionary shed, Aym, Baal, meet me there, k?” The twins nodded at him, and he paused for a moment before leaving.

“You don’t need my permission to speak your mind, you two. I’m not your god anymore.”

“Of course, mas-.... Dad,” Baal spoke first, seemingly a lot more confident about the recent change in their relationship than Aym.

“Yeah, what Baal said…” Aym muttered, looking embarrassed. He couldn’t help but laugh slightly under his breath. The two were in their teenage years, at least according to mortal development, and the combination of adolescence and being alive for the first real time made their integration into the cult very awkward. Honestly, he was grateful Forneus helped so much, he couldn’t imagine having to teach them everything himself. Though he did enjoy teaching Baal on his first hunting trip…

He smiled warmly at the two and hurried off to the missionary. As he left, he couldn’t help but notice the Lamb’s wide grin as he walked away, and he fought back the urge to be standoffish about it. Early on in his stay here, he’d been far more closed off, and he knew they loved seeing him be more open about his feelings, especially regarding the twins. Perhaps a few months ago he would try to play it off, but at this point he didn’t bother. He cared about both of them far too much to worry about the Lamb’s enjoyment. And honestly, he wasn’t really even upset about them, either. His life here at the cult had been peaceful, with his kids and the admittedly entertaining fear of the other cultists. The Lamb themselves had treated him very well, and if he didn’t have a scar over his third eye he may very well forget one day that he used to be their god. Of course, their signature red fleece was a far more noticeable reminder of his influence, and he couldn’t help but feel a little happy that they still wore it after all this time. 

He picked up one of the smaller supply bags at the missionary building since it would be a rather short trip, and waited for the two to arrive. They did a few minutes later, and he handed them lighter bags as well. 

“Master, the Lamb says such strange things about you.” Narinder looked over confused at Baal, who was being given a rather aggressive ‘cut it out’ gesture from Aym. He would’ve laughed at the two’s theatrical nonsense if he wasn’t so curious.

“Really? Like what?” 

“Well, they said that you look very handsome and pretty, they were saying that as you walked away under their breath. Do you know what that means? I mean, you only ever had two hands, right?” Baal looked at him with feigned ignorance, while Aym was standing in the corner staring at a wall, attempting to disengage. He had not, of course, taught the kids much in terms of language during his imprisonment, but Forneus had certainly taught them what that meant. He knew her enjoyment of romance stories well enough. He decided against thinking too much about the implications of those words and instead rushed over to the gate, bringing the kids along. A trip sounded nice, yes.

“It’s nothing you need to trouble yourselves with. Now, come along, Forneus may not make you cookies if you’re late.” The twins seemed to perk up at that, though Narinder knew the truth: She always makes them cookies. The three stepped into the gateway to Darkwood, where she was currently visiting, and after a brief moment of darkness and rushing wind, they were in the lush, vibrant forests of Darkwood.

The lands had grown more peaceful after the bishops were released from purgatory. The air no longer smelled of blood and bone, the trees no longer lashed out at random travelers, and camellias once again painted the lands in red and black. It was, he admitted, a rather beautiful domain, and he understood why a young and naive Leshy would have chosen it. He shook himself out of his thoughts and began the journey.

It was not nearly as difficult of a task as it used to be, to travel through the lands of the old faith. When the Lamb’s followers numbered too many to maintain in a single location, they had constructed settlements across the lands to convert old faith members and spread their influence. They had to adjust their doctrines slightly to make the transition easier, but for the most part their plan had worked. Rather than camps of violent heretics, he met a few traveling priests of the Lamb and outposts full of their followers. It would certainly take time, but Narinder knew the Lamb’s talent, and in just a few decades there could be an era of peace unspoken of since the golden ages of the bishops. Even now, he knew it was far better than the bishops reign near the end, and it was only getting better. As much as he initially disliked their choices early on leading the cult, he had to set his pride aside and admit that they clearly knew what they were doing. He hadn’t seen such prosperity under the crown of death even during his own rule, though of course he’d never admit that to the Lamb. 

The twins were mostly silent throughout the trip, Aym looking awkward and unsure of what to say while Baal simply looked at him with an expression akin to amusement. He wanted to know what Baal was so entertained by, but he wouldn’t dare confront that if it had to do with the Lamb. He’d done everything he could to ignore his feelings about them for too long to let curiosity make it so much harder. Distracting himself, he taught the two about the monuments they passed by and old temples to his brother, Leshy. He was at one of these settlements himself, but they’d likely not meet, since his outpost was far deeper into Darkwood than they needed to travel today. The Lamb had, in their wisdom, decided to enlist the former bishops to assist in converting people to the new faith, since they were natural leaders and could use their past to sway any particularly devout heretics. Of course, the Lamb was careful. They’d assigned several of their disciples to each bishop to monitor them and ensure they were not planning an uprising. 

Narinder wasn’t worried about… most of them. Leshy seemed rather apologetic and remorseful after everything, Kallamar was too scared of the Lamb to try anything, and Shamura… well, they actually still lived with Dr Sozonius in Silk Cradle. The Lamb realized early on that they wouldn’t be able to help, even when they were lucid enough to be willing to try to. The ant was capable, though, and they trusted him with their recovery for now. Heket, however, was unpredictable. She had obeyed the Lamb relatively well, but he knew she still hated both of them, and he suspected that may not change for a long time. He saw too much in himself in her, and it was partially because he saw how hatred had ruined her that he was trying to move on. He had tried being a violent, cruel person, and all it ever got him was betrayed and imprisoned. As much as he was upset about losing his godhood, he wouldn’t let it ruin him all over again. He would try to make the most of his immortal life, even if it wasn’t the same as it used to be.

His rambling thoughts were cut off when he saw smoke in the treeline above him, in one of the rare glimpses of the sky through the thick foliage. He knew it was one of their settlements, and if his navigation skills were correct (and the land had truly stopped shifting like it used to under Leshy’s reign), it was where Forneus’s shop was currently set up. The sun was nearly setting, and he gestured for the twins to hurry after him as he rushed to make it there before sundown. There were still some dangerous monsters out there, and even if he knew the Lamb could and would resurrect them, he’d rather not die in such a stupid way. It only took a few minutes for them to find the outpost, and after introducing himself to the front guards, they let him in. 

The twins followed after him, looking around eagerly for their mother. He walked past the few storefronts that had been thrown together, and found the one that looked the most elegant: Forneus’s. She had always prided herself on her products’ quality and beauty, and the flowers and trinkets that she sold stood in stark contrast to the relatively ramshackle and disorganized stores that a few followers had set up. It seemed this outpost was particularly new, as there were still building supplies lying around in the small encampment. She saw the trio, and gestured for them to come over, speaking quickly with her current customer, a rabbit, and sending her on her way with a small jeweled necklace. Narinder approached as the twins eagerly ran around the tables with her wares to hug their mother. She hugged them back in what he knew was a powerful bear hug (he was not prepared for it the first time) and after a few moments of silent reunion, they pulled away and the twins spoke about their time at the cult. He stood a safe distance away, not wanting to interrupt their conversation, and caught bits and pieces of their stories. Forneus simply listened patiently as they talked to her and each other.

“-So he showed me this trick for non curse users with the staff-”

“-and Baal totally cheated when he won that match-”

“-I didn’t even win! I just let you win cause you were whining about it-”

“-and so the Lamb was just saying ‘Oh, isn’t he just soooo pretty’ and I thought it was weird cause-” Narinder started paying more attention and silently stepped closer.

“I don’t really know why they talk about him so much. I mean, I know he used to be their god but it’s weird! They should really be more respectful of his status.” Aym seemed rather hung up on the whole ‘Lamb complimenting Narinder in a flirtatious way’ thing. Definitely more than Narinder was. He stepped a little closer to them and listened to Baal talk. Forneus seemed interested as well.

“Listen, Aym, he’s not our master anymore, he’s our-” He looked at Forneus for approval; she nodded, “-dad. And if the Lamb wants to flirt with him, they can! I mean, I think it’s cute, and you’re telling me you didn’t notice when his eyes lit up every time they visited him in the gateway?”

“No! I wasn’t snooping on our master’s private affairs when he was there, and besides I think he can do better-”

“Than the god of death? Cmon now Aym, they’re totally into each other and I just think-” Narinder quickly hurried away from the conversation before anyone noticed his eavesdropping, or how red his face and ears were. Thank the Lamb his fur was black and it was dark outside. Let the twins theorize, he thought, it was nothing… right? He went over to a weapons shop, and pretended to be interested in the crappy makeshift daggers that a wolf had on display there. After a few moments of standing around awkwardly and waiting for the twins to finish speaking, he went back over to the caravan, where it seemed Forneus had been talking to the kids. Upon seeing him, however, she gestured for the kids to go sleep in their beds, saying it was late, and beckoned him over to her. They obeyed her, tired from the journey anyways, and Narinder did as well, nervously walking over to where she sat on a simple wooden rocking chair. She motioned for him to sit, and he did so on a slightly less simple rocking chair that was admittedly really comfortable. She looked at him in amusement for a few moments before speaking.

“So, the almighty one who waits has caught the attention of the god of death. A blessing for one such as you, I’m sure.” She seemed both smug and sincere as she looked at his stunned expression.

“I… do not know what you speak of. The Lamb and I are merely friends.”

“Is that so, Narinder? I disagree. I have heard the way the twins speak of you, and them. I have heard the Lamb speak of you as well.” 

“Wha- I mean, they were my disciple for a long time, of course I was in their mind often.”

“They did not say the things that a disciple says, but that of a lover. I should certainly understand, dear Narinder, how they talked about you was rather… revealing, no?”

He looked at her with a mix of horror and curiosity. He had taken this trip so enthusiastically so he could quiet his confused emotions, and Forneus had decided to pry open his heart so quickly… Honestly, he should have known better. She was an expert in such things, after all, and her store was almost exclusively designed for lovers seeking gifts of affection. Why did he think this was a good idea again?

“Well… They may think what they will. I am not so foolish as to dream about them in such a manner, so…”

“The twins say otherwise. Baal certainly had stories to tell, and didn’t even seem done by the time I sent him to bed. Do not deny yourself, Narinder.” 

“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about. There’s nothing between me and the Lamb,” He lied. Of course there was something between them. He wouldn’t be alive right now if they didn’t care about him, and he wouldn’t be their highest ranking disciple if he didn’t care about them. But why did she have to recognize it so easily? If it was this easy to spot, did the other cultists think…?

“I’m sure you do, Narinder. Tell me, dear, truly tell me, do you not notice the way your heart overflows with warmth in their name? Do you not see the way their eyes light up at the sight of you, who you claim is merely their disciple? I have known you two for far too long to dismiss such obvious displays of affection.” Forneus did, in fact, know him well. They had become rather close friends in their co-parenting of Aym and Baal, and perhaps he had been a little too open with his feelings around her.

“I… do not know. I have not…” He sighed. Forneus knew, clearly, and even if he was too much of a mess emotionally to understand it, he did in fact love the Lamb. He may as well have this conversation now.

“I feel things for the Lamb. Things that I have not felt in millenia, and never so… constantly. It doesn’t matter though. You know my history, I could not… I couldn’t love someone like that. My life is fine as it is, I won’t let these frivolous feelings cause it to fall apart all over again.”

“Dear Narinder, that is no way to think of love. You are not so dangerous as to ruin such things. We have spoken plenty, dear, about your siblings. It was not your fault that their affections turned to spite and hatred, and I know it would not happen again.”

“I cannot trust myself, Forneus, you know this. The Lamb has been kind to me. I will not let these petty mortal emotions ruin what we already have.”

“Narinder, I know for a fact that you would not ruin things. They speak so fondly of you, and I can hear the sadness in their voice at the way you distance yourself. If you were truly honest about your feelings, the two of you could be so much happier. Always trust your heart, dear, and what does your heart tell you?” 

His heart, of course, told him to talk to the Lamb. To listen when they spoke, to give them gifts, to hold them close, but… could he really do that after everything?

“Forneus… I am unsure. I have not pursued someone in millenia, and do not remember if I ever have. How could I even go about talking to them? They are so much better at this than I am…”

“Oh Narinder, I know you could tell them. The Lamb loves you so much, dear. I’m sure they’re simply waiting for you to understand your feelings, and you clearly do. I know it’s intimidating, but you will not be so cruel as to deny yourself this, understand? Love is a most beautiful thing when you let it flourish, but you must plant the seeds before the garden blooms, dear. The first step will be the hardest, but simply let your heart guide you and it will all work out. Can you do this for me, Narinder?” She looked at him earnestly, and he couldn’t help but feel like a little kid getting romantic advice from his mother. Not that he’d ever experienced that himself, but regardless.

“Forneus… I will try. I just… how do I talk to them? How do I even begin to try to explain something so… confusing.” Narinder stood up from his chair and began pacing in the empty shop, as he often did when nervous. Forneus stood up as well, and began searching for something across the tables.

“Confessions are always hard to start, dear. I have learned in my many years, however, that they’re best accompanied by a gift. Something precious and kind, to show you care. Tell me, dear Narinder, what does your Lamb like?” He thought for a moment. What did they actually enjoy? He knew they liked desserts, but that felt too simple and ordinary for someone like them. They wore some jewelry, but most of it was of sentimental value rather than for their beauty. To his surprise, he didn’t actually know what they liked.

“I am unsure. Do you know?”

“I know they enjoy the outfits you’ve made for them in the past. Perhaps something in that order?” She was right. The Lamb had treasured every fleece he’d made them, even after he was no longer a god. They’d taken to making them on their own, once he’d been usurped, but perhaps a similar gift could work.

“Hmm… you are right. It would need to be something ornate, beautiful, however, and I am lacking the supplies to make-” She held up a large supply bag for knitting, one of the ones he often saw her using on his visits, and handed it to him.

“The Lamb has taken interest in such things before. I believe even without your divine powers, you are capable of creating something worthwhile to them. I have taught you well, have I not? Inside this bag, there is all the equipment and tools you may need to create such a gift for them. There is even some wool from them you may incorporate into it, as I know they are fond of such materials.” He looked into the bag, and indeed there was a large amount of the Lamb’s wool stored inside.

“How… how did you get this?”

“I have assisted the Lamb in shearing a few times, since it is customary for them to not do it alone. They gave me some of their wool as a thank you gift, but I could not think of a project worthy of such a blessing. But I think that love is a worthy enough pursuit for such a sacred gift, no?” He closed the bag, and set it aside. She really had everything prepared, huh? How long was she planning to ambush him like this?

“I… do not know how to thank you enough, Forneus. What can I do to repay you?”

“You need not worry about such things, Narinder. So long as you promise to treat my Lamb well, it is free of charge.”

“I will, Forneus, I promise… Thank you. If it is not too much trouble, could I sleep here for the night?”

“Of course, dear. There is an extra bed in the caravan usually used by the Lamb when they visit, but you may sleep in it.” Forneus walked over to the large portable home she lived in and gestured for him to follow.

Inside, there was just as much flowery ornamentation as on the outside, and a smell he recognized as her signature cookies. He went to the guest bed, which was tucked away in a small alcove on the second story. He would wonder how she moved this entire building so easily, if he hadn’t helped her enchant it a thousand years ago, back when she was his disciple. It was comforting, to see how little had changed about her traveling home, and he felt at ease as he laid down in the soft bed. While he lay there, before he slept, he thought of ideas for his gift to the Lamb. He decided that once he returned to the cult, he would design a fleece similar to the ones he’d made in the past, and try to replicate the original designs in a new way. It would be difficult, without the divine power of creation doing all the heavy lifting, but he knew he could make it work. He trusted Forneus’s judgement, even if he didn’t trust his own.

-

The journey back was much quicker, as he could travel alone far faster than with the twins. Forneus had sent him off with a few small boxes of baked goods for the Lamb and their followers, as well as the supply bag to make his gift. He waved Aym and Baal goodbye, and began the journey to his new home, at the cult. He would miss the twins, of course, but he was more capable of handling their absence after all this time. He was admittedly very lonely the first time they left, at least, until he became close with the Lamb. Speaking of which, he had thought about them quite a lot on the way back. Not even the somewhat strenuous journey could distract his thoughts from them, and he couldn’t help but imagine all the ways the next few days could go. If it went wrong, he… No, he knew they would understand. The Lamb had never been offended by such a declaration of love before, after all. Not that he even needed to worry, Forneus as well as the twins had made it rather clear how the Lamb felt. Still, he wanted to make sure it was perfect, as they deserved nothing less.

After a few hours of travel, he found one of the old transportation sigils that were built during the times of the old faith. He knew it would still work, however, and he meditated in the center for a few moments. After a quick rush of air and a fleeting sense of vertigo, he found himself on the sigil in his old temple, just north of the Lamb’s main cult grounds. He walked slowly to the cult’s entrance, attempting to avoid the Lamb’s notice. However, as he passed by the missionary building and followed the cobblestone path to his isolated home, he spotted the Lamb approaching him from the temple. He sighed, knowing he wouldn’t be able to outrun them even if he tried. (Which would only make him so much more suspicious, anyways) He continued along the path, pretending to not notice them.

“Nariiiii how did the trip go?” The Lamb seemed very excited to see him, and he started to understand what everyone was talking about. Just how obvious was it?

“It went well. Aym and Baal are with their mother. She gave me some cupcakes and cookies to share with you, and whoever in your cult you deem deserving.” He set his large backpack on the ground, and pulled out a few of Forneus’s gift boxes. While they looked at the boxes he handed to them with the treats, he carefully stowed away the bag on his back again. They quickly stole several of them and stored them in the crown, while opening one immediately.

“Forneus is just the best, isn’t she?” They spoke while chewing one of the sugar cookies she had made for them. He snickered at their immature behavior and slowly started walking again.

“Indeed, she is wonderful at what she does. I am, however, exhausted and if I could get some privacy for a moment that would be great, Lamb.” They nodded encouragingly while stowing away the rest of the boxes, seemingly not having noticed his extra bag of supplies. Good.

“Of course, Nari. Can we talk in the morning though? It’s… not urgent but it is important.” Narinder turned back for a moment and looked at them. They seemed sincere, if a little nervous.

“...Sure, Lamb.” He turned back away and hurried off into his home to prepare, leaving the Lamb with the gifts from Forneus and a confused expression on their face. He shut the door behind him and locked it, just in case they changed their mind and tried to talk to him. For now, he needed to prepare. He set up the supply bag on his table and began to work.

Narinder had picked up many talents in his immortal life, both during his stay at the cult and his own time as a leader. Among these talents was making clothes. It initially came as a necessity since his followers needed robes, but over time it developed into a sort of hobby for him, encouraged by one of his most loyal disciples, Forneus. When Aym and Baal were given to him during his imprisonment, he had Ratau send supplies so that he could create ceremonial robes befitting their status. And once he was indoctrinated into the Lamb’s following, before he earned his discipleship, he worked often at the tailors shop making robes for the many new converts.

He used to rely on his divine magic to speed up his projects, but he had long adapted to using his own two hands. It took some time to master, as his motor skills were initially very shaky, but eventually he became quite skilled. He could, however, still use a fragment of his former power to expedite the process, and tonight he was going to do exactly that. He knew he would be absolutely exhausted in the morning, but his concern was in the moment, and preparing for the Lamb a fleece worthy of what they meant to him.

He had not truly processed his feelings for them since he woke up at Forneus’s caravan, too driven to finish this project and prepare for what may be one of the most important days in his life. He, in his rush to finish his project by morning, once again did not have time to consider how daunting tomorrow’s confrontation would be. Narinder was grateful he was too busy to overthink, since he’d already spent decades worrying over the Lamb’s affections. Now that it had a clear name, love, he knew his own paranoid thoughts would only be made much worse. So he worked, through the evening and the night, disregarding his physical exhaustion with the fervor of his newly realized love for his god. 

It took until the dawn had nearly broken for his project to be completed. By the time it was done, he felt almost as exhausted as the first day he was mortal, and after carefully tucking it away in a box under his bed he laid down and fell asleep almost immediately. He did not notice the Lamb’s gentle knocking on the door, nor their very subtle peeking through the windows to see him still in bed, completely out of it. They decided to speak with him later, assuming he was still tired from the trip to visit Forneus.

Narinder did not have nightmares when he slept, oddly enough. He had grown accustomed to waking up in a cold sweat, but today it seemed his mind had spared him. He woke up still somewhat tired, but prepared, bright and early at nine in the evening. He got dressed, remembering only now his promise to speak with the Lamb today. He considered exactly where he should meet them. He liked the privacy of his own home, but the Lamb was nowhere to be seen in the cult and he assumed they were in the temple. He got dressed in his finest robes, stored away his gift in the missionary bag he’d accidentally stolen, and stepped out of his home and towards the temple.

-

The Lamb was nervous. They had been pacing in their bedroom for a while, considering how to approach the situation. Almost immediately after the morning sermon, they shut themselves in their bedroom on the second floor of the temple, where only the highest disciples and the Lamb themselves were permitted to travel. They had constructed a home for themselves here, with a window overlooking the whole flock, and through this window they watched Narinder’s hut far off in the distance. He had been sleeping for almost the whole day, and they admittedly were worried about him. He didn’t seem very tired the previous day, after his trip, so perhaps he had contracted some sort of illness? He hadn’t responded when they tried to talk to him in the morning, and they knew better than to enter his home without permission, so here they waited. 

The Lamb had sought out Ratau’s advice while Narinder was visiting Forneus, and he seemed to approve of the plan. They had run this cult solo for almost five hundred years now, and while they knew it paled in comparison to the age of prior empires, they didn’t have to do it alone. And technically, the Lamb didn’t have to either. The crowns of the bishops may still lie dormant in the temple treasury, but the Lamb didn’t need a reign of terror and they didn’t need a show of force. They just needed someone to help run things. They trusted no one better for the task than Narinder.

The idea only formed recently, but it was rarely out of their mind as they thought about him. Before he was turned mortal, they believed they would rule together once the bishops were slain, and when that didn’t happen they felt very alone in their ascension. However, Narinder had grown a lot in his time here, and despite everything the Lamb trusted him. The idea of the two, ruling together side by side, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity, was admittedly a dream they’d had for a while. Only recently did they commit to the idea. They didn’t know how Narinder would take the proposal, but no matter what happened they were grateful to have him by their side. The Lamb had, for a short time, considered confessing to him at the same time but quickly decided against it. The Lamb wasn’t about to ruin one of their only immortal connections by framing this partnership as a declaration of love. Narinder was a pragmatic sort, and they doubted he felt the same way about them after everything. It hurt a little, but half a millenia of an unreciprocated crush makes it a lot easier to bear. At least, as far as they figured. 

There was a knock on the door, startling the Lamb so much that they almost fell over, barely catching themselves on the window sill. They rushed over to the door, and opened it to reveal Narinder, dressed rather formally. He had remembered this was an important meeting after all. Procrastinating their proposal, they decided to try to lighten the situation.

“Hey Nariiii. So you did remember after all!” The Lamb took him by the hand and pulled him into the room, careful to avoid his wrists. He seemed a little surprised by their enthusiasm but followed along, shutting the door behind him. 

“Of course, Lamb. I’ll always make time for my most glorious god,” He said it with a mocking tone, but there was no bitterness to the way he spoke with them, nor in the strange way he stared at them. The Lamb snickered slightly and sat on their bed. Narinder, still uncertain as to what this conversation would be, set his bag on the ground by the door and sat beside them.

“Sooooooo. I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of the cult lately, and I’ve realized it’s been… difficult, to rule alone for this long. I mean, five hundred years isn’t much compared to the bishops, but they at least had each other, you know? It’s always just been me, but you were there too. And I started to realize how much you meant to me, and how much you’ve helped in building this cult.” They weren’t making eye contact.

“Get to the point, Lamb.” He said this, yet his eyes were locked on them as they talked. His thoughts were everywhere at once, the eye of the storm and the Lamb before him nervously stumbling through some sort of proposal. 

“When I was your vessel, I often thought of what would happen once you were free. I didn’t mind the idea of serving you as your most loyal disciple, but above all else I wanted you by my side. Maybe I was selfish, or maybe I was afraid of being powerless again, but I wanted us to rule together, an unstoppable empire ushering in a golden age for this world. When that didn’t happen, and you were humiliated, lonely, and weak, I felt horrible. I made you my disciple, I informed the flock to treat you well, but you’ve always meant more to me than any of them did, you know? I can’t give you the crown, but… we can rule together. I know it wouldn’t be the same as when you were a god, but it’s all I can do. Is that… Is that something you’d want?” The Lamb was looking at him intently, a false confidence on their face similar to when they spoke before the flock.

Narinder was staring at them, his face a confusing mix of shock and adoration as he spoke.

“W-what? Why? Lamb, why would you give me that kind of power? You know my history, why would this be different?”

“Because you’ve changed, Narinder. I’ve seen you at your worst, wrathful and violent, and I’ve seen you now. I’ve seen the way you take care of the twins, the way your eyes light up every time they fall asleep near you, comfortable and happy… I just don’t see that cruelty in you anymore. I saw it in the bishops, I saw it in the Fox, but I’ve only ever seen you for what you really are. A tortured, lonely person who didn’t deserve the hand fate dealt him. But things can be different, you know? If you think you’re ready, I’m willing to give you another chance. If you can’t trust yourself to not take advantage, then trust me that you won’t, k?” The Lamb scooted slightly closer to him on the bed, and gently held the side of his face so they made eye contact. He seemed very uncertain of himself, and the Lamb worried they’d gone too far with the dramatic speech before he spoke.

“I… Thank you, Lamb. I do not know if I’m ready for this, but… I will try. For you.” He, in turn, moved slightly closer to them.

“You sure? I don’t want to make you do this if you don’t want to, I just-”

“I’ll do it, Lamb. I just… it is a lot to process.” At this point, Narinder was close enough to the Lamb their elbows were touching and he stared at them with a strange expression. 

“Lamb. Is it alright if I…?” He muttered under his breath, his eyes locked on them.

“What?”

Narinder pulled the Lamb into a hug, which they reciprocated after a moment of confusion. Presumably without his notice, his claws dug into their skin slightly, enough to be uncomfortable but not enough to complain about. From this close, the Lamb could hear his heartbeat violently pounding in his chest. Not only that, but he seemed incredibly tense, holding them close with an unnecessary amount of force. They knew he was surprised at the revelation the Lamb trusted him to rule, but this…? This didn’t really seem like a normal reaction to a hug. They couldn’t help but read his mind, for only a moment, to ensure he was doing well.

Immediately, they realized their mistake. The ever-flowing fountain of his devotion to them was overwhelming, and they pulled away from him, panicking. They stood up and stared out the window, trying to catch their breath and figure out what the hell to do. He liked them back? It would explain a lot, but… what the fuck now? That was a horrible idea, why did they have to look?!

Narinder was sitting on the couch, tail puffed out and startled by their sudden panic. He stared at them awkwardly, presumably trying to figure out what to say.

“-Lamb, was that too much? I’m sorry, I just assumed-”

“No, you’re fine, it’s nothing about the hug, I promise, I just… remembered, something… yeah. Sorry.” Narinder looked at them, visibly dubious. He suspected he knew what happened, but wanted to confirm his idea first.

“Ok… uh. Well, as your new co-leader, Lamb, I insist you share so I may provide my advice.” He stood up from the bed and walked over to the window, beside them.

“Well, it’s really not something you need to worry about-”

“Oh, I’m sure it is, Lamb. You said you trust me with this, yes? Then what is on your mind, Lamb?” Narinder reached out his hand and turned their face, forcing eye contact. The Lamb stared up at him, unsure how to proceed.

“It’s… it’s one of my followers, they’re very sick and they died and… it’s… sad.” Narinder almost laughed at such an obvious lie. As much as the Lamb cared about their followers, a random followers death has never shaken them like this. He moved in closer, and decided to be bold about this before he let hesitation ruin this again.

“Lamb, your lies are more blatant than your feelings for me.”

“WHAT?! No, not at all I mean I- I didn’t, you…” The Lamb stared at him with an expression of shock and flustered confusion.

“Are you sure, Lamb? I’d be more careful with the things you say, glorious god. Rumors tend to spread.” The Lamb stumbled back slightly, clearly not used to a determined, confrontational Narinder. 

“Did… Forneus tell you? I didn’t mean… listen, Nari, I just… I admired you a lot back then, and… I still do…” Narinder sat on the bed, giving them some space. The Lamb continued their explanation.

“Listen. I didn’t mean to-” The Lamb paused, uncertain of how to phrase this. “-love… you... but I do. I know it’s weird, and it’s ok if you’re upset-”

“I am not upset, Lamb. I am interested. ”

“W-....what?”

“You read my mind, didn’t you? You know the truth, or should I spell it out for you myself?”

“No, no, I… I understand. You actually?-”

“Yes, Lamb. I spoke to Forneus when returning Aym and Baal and… I decided to do something about it. It seems your prying did my job for me.”

“I’m so sorry about that, Nari. I didn’t mean to, it’s just, I do it so often for my followers, and when you seemed tense, I wanted to know why.” The Lamb looked at him apologetically, though they couldn’t hide the happiness on their face. If Narinder didn’t know them better, he’d think they weren’t being genuine at all.

“It’s fine, Lamb. Now, I have a gift for you, inside this bag. I will meet you in the sanctuary once you have put it on.” Narinder gestured at the missionary bag he had set aside and forgotten a while ago, and before the Lamb could ask any questions, he left. The Lamb stood there for a moment, processing the entire interaction they just had, before they actually checked the bag.

Narinder waited patiently for the Lamb to arrive, as he’d done so many times before. This time, though, the air was different. He felt at peace, for the first time in so many years spent alone. He stood at the altar, not as a commanding god but as a loving father and a patient partner. In another life perhaps, he would stand right here, and rule in the Lamb’s absence. The future where they agreed to the plan, where he never saw them again… he was grateful, for once, of their rebellious nature. After seeing the world the Lamb would create, and the future it meant for them both, he couldn’t imagine a life without them. 

He traced the scars on his neck, then the ones on his face, his shoulders. Betrayal had carved all of them into his body, but he wore them, for once, with pride. Perhaps he had truly gone soft, but even as his body was scarred by the battle with the Lamb so long ago, he would not in a thousand years change its ultimate outcome. The old Narinder, chained and spiteful, would be disgusted with him, of course. But time eroded many things, even his sense of divine pride, and he was grateful for that. He needn't waste his eternal life in anger and regret after all. He had many reasons to be happy. One of those very important reasons was walking down the stairs as he thought, and approached him at the altar, wearing a very special outfit.  

He had to admit, he was proud of his handiwork. They wore a white fleece, layered into frilled out segments along the way down with thread draped over each part like a veil. Ornate decorations ran alongside the top of each segment, red eye sigils covered by the overhanging black thread. A stripe of red wove its way down the center, spiraling out at the edges, and at the bottom where it split into winding patterns that ran along the entire lower fleece. A single camellia, pressed and preserved, was woven in at the left-upper chest. They smiled at him softly, and walked over to the altar to stand beside him. The Lamb broke the silence first.

“So. This is why you slept in until the evening today.”

“Indeed it was, Lamb. I hope you appreciate my gift.”

“Of course I do, Nari, but really you didn’t have to. I wasn’t even aware you could still use your magic at all, but I don’t see how else you’d have made this so quickly.”

“Who knows, Lamb. Perhaps I’ve been waiting for this conversation to happen for a very, very long time.” They looked at him, a genuine curiosity in their eyes he couldn’t help but smirk at.

“Have you?”

“No, Lamb. I only realized I loved you yesterday.”

“Right, right, that makes sense. I’ll have to thank her sometime. Anyways… what did you invite me down here for?”

“Well, I admit I wanted to see you wear the outfit I made for you. And… well. Forgive me if it’s too forward, but I believe marriage would be an appropriate means to make me co-leader, yes?” They blushed and nodded their head. For how flirty they usually were, they really weren’t used to him reciprocating it.

“Yes, that would be… Yeah we should. I did, uh. Actually plan on asking you about that so thanks for asking it first!” 

“Of course, Lamb. Now, the wedding ritual dance is something you are familiar with, I’m sure.” Narinder stepped down the stairs, to the area the flock stood during sermons, beckoning the Lamb to follow. They did, an earnest smile on their face. “I must admit, Lamb, it has been quite some time since I’ve last danced. So, perhaps tonight, we could practice?” He reached out his hand to the Lamb, which they eagerly took.

“I’d love to, Nari.” 

The only remaining gods of this land, in gentle, loving motions, danced. It was not a beautiful dance, practiced or perfect by any means. But unlike so much else in their lives, it was theirs alone. Fate had not driven them together, but apart, yet here they moved in rhythm unspoken, their steps uneven and unplanned, their love a tapestry of wrong choices gone right. Vessel and benefactor, traitor and betrayed, god and follower, all of it faded away in this single moment, defined by nothing but their own choices and their fearless love for one another. Together they would reshape the world into something beautiful, unscarred by the memory of the past and marching towards the brilliant future. In that sacred temple, a new, better dawn would be born, heralded by the eternal, sacred, and beloved gods of life and death.