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Phanes had often questioned what it meant to experience the joy of new life, the joy of a family, a God like them would never have needed something like that, still, they were curious. But now they were sat in a dimly lit room with the stars and moons outside, gleaming in the sky, there was a bed, draped with sheer white curtains hanging from the ceiling. They had breathtaking golden embroidery on them. The three moons, the new world of Teyvat, even the dragon sovereigns, similarly the ceiling and walls matched. The pattern on the ceiling pulsed with dim gold light, like a heartbeat. A soft voice could be heard, quietly singing and humming. The Heavenly Principles, Phanes, sat in the bed, cradling four small Shades, still in their short and childlike forms, well, trying to cradle them, at least.
Phanes leaned back, watching their daughters squirm around, the girls happy giggles echoed off the walls. Asmoday flicked at Istaroth’s halo, earning a surprised gasp from her sister. Istaroth gave Asmodey a playful lunge, almost tripping over her father's lap. Naberius stuck herself under one of Phanes’ arms, pressing herself against their torso and letting out a sleepy sigh. Ronova silently watched Istaroth and Asmoday's play fight, she yawned, silently bumping her head against her father's hand.
“Hm? Getting sleepy, dear?” Phanes chuckled, putting a hand on her head as she nodded. Phanes looked at Istaroth and Asmoday, their voice still soft, “Girls, settle down please, your sisters are tired, and so should you be.” They tilted their head.
“But we're not tired yet!” Asmoday chirped, rolling on her back, kicking her short legs up.
“Are you sure?” Phanes hid their amusement as Istaroth tried to hide a yawn behind her hand.
Asmoday rolled onto her side, looking up at Phanes and sighing, “Maybe a little bit sleepy…” She stretched, making her displeasure about her own tiredness evident with a rather adorable pout.
Phanes gently pulled the two closer, “Come here, then, sweethearts.” Asmoday plopped down next to Naberius, letting Istaroth pull Ronova into a tight hug, much to Ronova's displeasure. Phanes smiled, beginning to hum for the children huddled in their lap.
The curtains swayed in the soft breeze through the window, the three moons glittering through the sheer fabric, casting soft reflections on the five figures. The feathers from Phanes’ wings shifted, rustling gently in sync with the curtains. Their gentle humming drifted around the room and out of the window, their voice was strikingly perfect, enchanting and beautiful. The world below Celestia and the palace was bathed in a peaceful, gentle care, held in the careful hands of The Heavenly Principles and their new, small family.
Phanes was melodic by nature, having a naturally beautiful voice and blessed with the grace of a God. Before the Sovereigns were defeated, before their daughters came into the world, there was a meadow. Peaceful, perfect, and the beginning of Phanes’ new order. Gliding through the meadow and singing to themselves, a gripping determination found them, to protect and create their own world, a romantic and charming dream. Such pure intentions for the future, a wish for peace for a society that had yet to be born.
It was this song that they hummed for their daughters now, swaying gently, still cradling the young Gods. They could tell their beloved girls would be respected as they are, loved and feared in the same intricate and complex way. Hymns and prayers written in their name, priests, scribes, and temples dedicated to the Sisters. They did deserve it, such darling Gods did earn that.
Phanes stopped humming, looking down at the Shades, who looked back up, eyes half-lidded with tiredness, though not yet ready to sleep. They raised an eyebrow, “Hm? Well, what is it, darlings?”
"Papa.. can you do one more..?" Naberius nuzzled closer, her eyes sparkling with hope and an underlying sense of tiredness.
"Another? Oh, but dear, it's already so late.." Phanes tilted their head, playing up their consideration almost comedically, "However... I suppose I can make an exception for my lovely girls." They laughed softly. The Shades almost scrambled over each other trying to get more comfortable. Four arms outstretched towards them, pulling them together. Istaroth pressed her head against Asmoday, letting out a quiet laugh as Ronova willingly squished against Naberius.
The Heavenly Principles clicked their tongue, "Now, now girls.. settle down," The Four paused, looking up at their father in perfect unison with unblinking eyes. "No, no, close your eyes, little ones."
They obliged, pressing themselves closer together in the process, positioning themselves perfectly together. Phanes adjusted the blanket on and around them, pressing a soft kiss into each of their temples and tenderly adjusting their hair, “Wonderful..”
Pressing a hand on each of their heads, stroking their hair and massaging their scalps, Phanes tilted their gaze upwards slightly, beginning to hum before raising their voice, singing a lullaby specially written for the young Shades;
"Dormite nunc, umbrae carae,
forma perfecta et venuste ornatae.
Requiescite, opera mea dilecta.
Luce balnei et stellis vestiti
Gloria vobis, in umbra dei factis
Celeri amore patris quem vocatis
Alas extendite et longius volate
Spirate vitam mundo
Spatium, tempus, vita, et mors
Vivite in lumine
Fugite quae obscura sunt
Dormite nunc, mei cari, columbae meae pretiosae,
Expergiscimini in lumine, sed per noctem dormite"
The Shades soft snoring filled the room, lulled into sleep by the flowing and soothing voice of their father. Phanes glanced at them, whispering to themself, “Ah.. they trapped me.” They laughed softly, the Shades had carefully adjusted themselves on Phanes’ lap so they couldn't leave “How resourceful of them, oh, how precious they are..” Phanes cooed over the sleeping figures, listening to their soft breathing. They let out a contented sigh, leaning back again.
Phanes brushed their hair, smiling. These four flawless little beings were their creations, so beautiful and precious. A pulse of pride bloomed in their chest, such wonderful little Gods, such perfect children. Phanes had always loved children, their charming innocence and affection, and now they had their own.
It was perfect. Their daughters were perfect.
Life was perfect, perhaps this was what the joy of new life meant.