Fantasy and feelings...

Alena

My people have fallen millennia ago. They disappeared as the world changed. They no longer worshipped the old Gods. I once presided over festivals, I was looked to for guidance and my temples flourished. Now, I am just another statue carved by an artisan for people to look at. My temples have been destroyed by the pale invaders and along with that, they brought a new God and forced my people to worship Him. A God only has powers when people worship them. As the offerings and festivals and prayers declined, so did my powers...

"Alena, Goddess of Justice, Protector of young women..."

I awoke with a start. There, standing in front of my altar and statue was a young girl. She was reading the carvings about me. Her eyes met my statue's, intrigued. She left a moment later, along with a few other youth. Just another person coming to stare...
.......

It was dark after a few hours. The temple was silent and the moonlight shone throughout. I was dormant, a state all forgotten Gods take to stay in existence and keep their remaining temples standing...

"Alena, Goddess of Justice, Protector of young women..."

A voice came, barely a whisper. It was the young girl who came to my temple earlier. She was sullen, dragging her feet to me. Gingerly lowering herself next to my feet, she silently sat there for some time before speaking.

"I'm not a religious person. God had let me down a long time ago. I think your followers have too. Because if they didn't, you'd still be worshipped. And this beautiful place would've been a temple and not an artefact..."

I chuckled. Yes, that is true, I'm afraid. But I've accepted my fate. She continues...

"I wish I could defend the weak. But I can't even defend myself. I ran away. This place felt quiet and serene so I came here. Wanting to gather my thoughts. But instead, here I am, talking to a statue at night."

She stood up slowly, wiping at her face and took a few steps away. Her eyes burnt into mine, echoing a silent strength from her despair. She pulled out a flower from her pocket.

"I don't deserve this..."

She places it at my altar and quietly left. Ah mortals... how little do they know. She thought she was ridding herself of her burdens and floral gift but it was on my altar she did so. It was enough. I wake from my dormant state. My sword appears in my hand and my wreath blooms with peonies and laurel.

I am no longer a forgotten goddess. My powers have returned. I owe her everything. I will protect her for the rest of her mortal life. The wind caresses my face as I marched out of my statue. Wait for me, I'm coming...