Our Goddess Incarnate

Chapter 3: Culturally Relative

Please note that Alex uses Xe/xyr pronouns and is non-binary.

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They sat watching their den-mates splash about with Miza.

Valon, Justin, and Donte sat under the ancient oak, the Sacred Tree, hidden within the Verdant Forest. This was a private place—spiritual. Lore said this was where the Great Mother and the Great Father consummate their union. A lake, clear as crystal, so that you could see the rocks and plants covering the bottom and aquatic life swimming in the water. It was surrounded by oaks, willows, and other plant life that thrived no matter the season.

The area was fragrant due to the tea tree and lavender flowers dotting the terrain past the rocky banks. Every inch of this lacustrine cave system made it apparent that this place was the den of the Primi Consortiu. The Goddess's power ran deep here.

Miza climbed to sit on a pile of rocks outside the mouth of a hollow, just in front of the waterfall from a mountain stream. She waved to the men before standing and jumping into the water, laughing.

"At least today she gets to be a kid," Justin murmured with his gaze softly on her. "Well, at least for a little while."

"Does it get to you, Justin? I find that since we moved into the Academy, what is normal has been hard at times. The age gaps, the arranged marriage, the expectations." Valon pushed forward before Donte could interrupt him. "She says she wants to experience life as a normal girl, but how normal can she really be as a princess of a mystic land between the gods and the humans? Whose culture and norms are not accepted in the society she wants to blend into? I'm turning 23. I am the first consort. She is to be my wife. Justin, you are 16. What happens if other chevaliers awaken and struggle to get with the program?"

"It's what she wants, Val. We have to fight for her. We have to persuade her father that her attending a normal high school and living as a regular child for a while will benefit Lestania. Even if we are skeptical and, at times, the social differences will be challenging." Justin said.

Donte finally interrupted.

" Mizarmonie is wise beyond her years. She has to be. I also don't think she needs this to lead the unveiling. This life in the human realm, however, is the way that she wants to go about it. I, as her guardian, you, as her head of security, and you, as her head counsel, must help her to find the best ways to navigate and learn about the world outside of the veil. The last 300 years is not what will help Lestania integrate into this world. Our Emperor does not want to hear it, but I spent years between the veils." Donte explained to his nest-mates.

"This world outside the academy walls is not mystical. It is further from the gods than we as a society have ever been. They will react to us with fear if we can not navigate this correctly. While this may not be the most Academy-style plan any faction has launched, this is our faction's plan, and this faction is a royal faction with a mission far greater than the others. We cannot fail due to dissent. The four of us need to be in harmony." Donte clarified, not wanting any of them to be confused about what they were trying to do.

"Can there be harmony if you aren't honest with us or even yourself?" Alex said. Xe was always so quiet when xe approached. Donnie grunted as Alex lay beside him, putting xyr head on his lap.

Donte shifted, leaning back on the blanket to create more space. His gaze was smooth and cold, shadowing all of his emotions.

"That is not the topic. It is a complication that will be dealt with later." He huffed angrily. "Right now, we must be willing and able to lead this faction when needed and stand with Miza, even when we disagree, to help her navigate this mission. Right now, she is stressed, and we have less than three days to convince His Highness to allow us to do as Miza requests and devise a system of managing ourselves for a lie of this capacity. I also don't think she has realized that she will build a life and have to leave it behind." Donte sighed, irritation still apparent in his stiff posture.