Welcome to My World

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔

Arthur Clements

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Dearest Eirene, the goddess who bears wealth and whose people crave a taste of her blessings. She sets her tender gaze on those who strive for peace, for justice, and showers them in honor. Known throughout the years as a symbol of peace and serenity, she has been adored by many. Reverence is nothing new. Yet, no one has loved her with such fervor as a certain man; one who came from humble beginnings. That's not to say she was easy to win, not at all. She is peace, and she gives to those who earn it, who deserve it. The wise know this and have tried to win her favor through lavish offerings; only the cream of the crop for the powerful goddess.

    But sometimes, peace is all someone ever needs. After all, the Fates' hands don't show mercy often. What happens, happens. Arthur was no exception. Coming from a tumultuous childhood, stress, chaos, and instability have become his closest friends. All he craved was a breath of fresh air. And throughout his lifetime, he has learned to work for it, even at the cost of tears and broken relationships. One must tread through the mud before getting a glimpse of the light ahead. But nonetheless, his heart showed through his actions–a seeker of peace–a true devotee of Eirene. And so, the goddess kept her eyes on him, watching his endless pursuit. Rarely did she interfere, but even a deity as divine as she is guilty of becoming enamored with a mortal.

    She fell head over heels with the smallest details. He had the smile of a movie star. He never spoke too loudly, with his authority and strength showing through the subtle firmness in his voice. His hands were always gentle with everything he held. People swarmed to him like honeybees, allured by the sweet nature of his being. And on summer days, when the sun rose highest, its rays would illuminate his sharp features. But above all, he tried to be just–fair–with everyone he knew. He fought for what she stood for. Determined, endearing, tender–endless compliments do not come close to the enchantment that overcame Eirene. As for him, he was not expecting the soft love that came with the goddess' attention.

    It was a story that most people can only dream of. Those same hands delicately grazed their fingertips along Eirene's wrists during countless late evenings. His words hushed at the mere sight of her beautiful being. Petals entangled themselves in his hair from all the times she'd crowned him with flowers. But Eirene held her secrets, presenting herself as another simple woman. It wasn't until the promise of an 'I love you' was said that she finally cracked. But he was strong-willed, even when he stood in front of peace herself. He finally found her. And at that moment, he made another promise. With a brush of his lips upon her knuckles, he swore to remain loyal, perhaps not in the physical sense, but in spirit. Honoring her would be his ultimate goal, no matter what it takes. It was a foolish sentiment covered behind a rosy tint. But Eirene had hope. With that, she left him two final gifts.

    The first was her blessing. He was not royalty, but his way of living changed significantly. His income was stable for the first time in years, his friendships continued to grow and deepen, and he was able to pursue those hobbies that brought him joy. Career-wise, he was favored, being given a promotion that was long overdue. It was a small taste of tranquility. But most important of all was the child that cooed in his arms. His eyes stared back at him, framed by Eirene's curly hair. There she was; a symbol of the man's devotion and of Eirene's dream.

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    His daughter was his life. His arms always provided a warm shelter to spill her tears. His voice, as smooth as the sound of a rushing stream, lulled her to sleep. On school nights, the clock would strike midnight as they sat together at the dinner table, with eraser bits spilling to the floor while her father wearily muttered the steps to simplifying fractions, over and over again. All his child was ever given was that strong devotion he once gave to Eirene, now shown to her through soft-spoken lessons and a gentle upbringing. It was sweet, almost sickeningly so, as one may say that he sheltered her to the point of naivety. "Sure, the world struggles, but everything has a solution" – he'd always tell her. Fairness, serenity, peace, is always possible.

Yet, no man is free from vice's clever trickery. For those hands that tucked his sweetheart to bed every night were stained with blood. Whispers of sweet lies tainted his thoughts, and he grew blinded by the enticing glimmer of coins. Violence's fingers snaked around his neck, suffocating him until his judgment went awry. Not even a goddess' blessing was enough for him, how could it, when he could have more? His heart no longer lived for her, but for another, for greed. Chaos invited itself into his life once more as he took part in corrupt practices, all hidden behind the curtain of fatherly nature.

Hypocritical, that's all he was. That once glamorous smile wavered with malice; with the unspoken knowledge of all the innocent people he has used and threatened to keep his pockets full. And young Arbor, entranced by her father's supposed sainthood, remained lost in the haze. He kept guiding her in Eirene's footsteps, passing onto her the strong yearning for serenity in such a messy world. The only glimpse she's gotten was a designer dress sprawled out on her bed, or a shimmering, golden necklace hanging on the edge of her bedside table. Nothing compared to the wealth that he kept, that he "deserved."

Hubris can only deliver quick rushes of success–addictive and euphoric. Temporary. Icarus has exposed it for what it truly is. A haunting tale to those who are mindless enough to challenge the limits of human nature. But such warnings fall upon deaf ears, even if one's own family is cursed to pay the price for such stupidity. And so, the man's story continued to unravel, with his power and name spreading along the grapevine. His enemies, scarred by his words–like sharp claws digging into their psyche–whispered threats aimed towards his most precious child. He held his head high, laughing in face of such remarks.

Long gone was the promise held between him and his goddess, its thread torn apart at his will. Her sacred blessing deteriorated, slipping through his fingers uncontrollably. Peace has no home in a man who sows turmoil and anguish; in a man with two faces, deceiving the one he swore to protect. However, she is not harsh or vengeful. The cost came in waves, slowly cleansing him of his power. It started with a few lost profits, to growing debts, to failed yet desperate attempts at keeping his "associates" under his heel. He is no more than a flawed creature. A sharp tongue is bound to lose its sting. Those he manipulated began to push back, threaten, and intimidate. Yet, the final price was yet to be paid.