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The Beginning After the End
There existed three gods, and each one created deities. One is in charge of the waters, another is in charge of nature, one is assigned to bring light and hope to the creations, and lastly, one is assigned to bring the concept of death to the creations. With the unity of the four deities, the creatures of Earth lived in harmony and balance, under the admiration of the actions the deities had done for them.
However, peace can only last for so long as disaster strikes. The Deity of Death spreads darkness around the world, causing chaos in its wake. The Deity of Life, desperate to save their creations, has made the difficult choice to seal themselves along with their counterpart. Placing both their souls into an Eternal Tree, which is guarded by the Deity of Nature.
Since then, the two remaining deities decided to split up. The Deity of Nature stayed with the Eternal Tree, hidden deep in the forests. In contrast, the Deity of Waters stayed far beneath the depths, sealing themselves and swearing to never make an appearance towards anyone other than her followers. Humans were then left to forget about the existence of the deities, although some have kept records on paper and books. Years have passed, and the remaining deities stayed in their respective domains. Sending letters to each other with the help of their chosen messengers. The Deity of Nature noticed the sudden growth of misfortune around the world lately, thinking that the Deity of Death would return soon.
One who fell with misfortune, a woman living in the 17th century named “Jean”. She was a kind woman, gifted with such a serene voice, who was prominently seen to be collecting herbs to make medicine for those who had fallen ill. Her patients adored her hospitality and the comfort her voice brought, as she would occasionally sing for them as they were treated.
However, some were not thrilled with Jean’s actions and began to spread rumors that she was a witch, eventually reaching the ears of the town's religious figures. One day, her husband barges into their home, and it seems he has company.
"You!" Her husband yelled as he cornered her. "You damned witch! You killed my mother with your poison!!"
Hearing this, Jean felt panic rise in her body. She did no such thing; she never had intentions to kill anyone, least of all her own mother-in-law. "What are you talking about?! I never even visited her!!" she exclaimed, “Please, you must be mistaken-”
A harsh slap stopped her from finishing her sentence, making her stumble to the ground. Her husband stood next to her, enraged at her words. "Don't lie to me! You perform various witchcraft in my own home! I saw you give my mother those sickly herbs you gathered from the forest.” He accused, “You used your sickening voice to charm and manipulate my mother into taking your wretched poison, you disgusting witch!!"
Due to all the commotion, the people in the village were quick to gather around, tools in hand as they dragged Artful out of the house. She begged and cried for mercy as they tied her hands and brought her out to the nearby sea.
"If you are truly innocent, then the water should accept you and deem you as pure as you’re welcomed to the heavens above and God himself," the town’s bishop stated. "However, if you are to float to the surface, then it means you are a witch and shall be subsequently executed."
And with that, four men threw Jean into the water with the ropes keeping her immobile as she sank. She stayed underwater as the gathered crowd waited for the results of the trial, bubbles still emerging up to the surface, indicating she was still alive. After several minutes had passed, no sign of Jean reaching the surface, and eventually the waters grew calm, not a single bubble in sight.
The trial was deemed a success, and everyone left the scene to continue their daily routine. Jean’s husband was quick to shrug off her death and left as soon as she was thrown, relief filling his body as he believed he had finally gotten rid of a burden.
Seeing Jean’s body sink deeper into the waters, a faint glow appeared, illuminating the light, as large hands surrounded and wrapped around Jean. Five other sirens were present as well, swimming around their leader, the beloved Deity of the waters.
"My, what a pitiful sight…” Their voice heavy with condolences,
“Succumbed to the misfortunes that spread around her… Worry not, you shall suffer no more." With that, their hands gently closed around Jean’s pale and unmoving body. For a moment, there was a bright flash of light, and once she opened them again, her appearance had changed, her life reborn. The other five sirens that accompanied them carefully held Jean's new, awakened body and brought her into their kingdom, away from the prying eyes of other sea creatures present at that moment.