This story is dedicated to jadestar123 and stripy giraffe. To jadestar123 for continuously encouraging me to write something, and to stripy giraffe for being my beta. (You're welcome Jess J -stripy giraffe)

Disclaimer: insert disclaimer here –Jess is damn lazy. Hehehe she doesn't even know I'm typing this! And she can't spell! That's why I'm here :p -stripy

Chapter one: The Trial

My brother and sister came to me this morning, and demanded that I attend and answer to a trial before the full council of the Great Gods. When I asked why, I was told that they wished to try and sentence me, but for what they would not say.

Before this time I had never had any reason to believe that any of my brothers or sisters hated me, but even though I knew that two of them disliked me I could never have dreamed that it would be this strong.

As the Mage Goddess, it was my duty to bestow the gift upon humanity to whom I felt deserved it. There are many things I do not believe we can deny mortals, and among them are the use of magic and healing.

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"You gave them too much power!" Mithros accused me during my trial.

"So much so that, if they wished, they could challenge us," my beautiful sister agreed.

"Why would they challenge us if they are content?" I countered. I refused to raise my voice against them, for the moment I did so the trial would be finished, and they would have won.

"Humans are greedy, they always want more. They would not have stopped," said Mithros disdainfully.

After these words were said there was a pause. Inside I could not have agreed with them more, after all what were we - the great gods - if we were not humans, then all my life I had witnessed the greed that existed in the struggle for power that went on among us.

"They just needed guidance. Under guidance and a watchful eye they will not go astray." It was all I could think of. It was pitiful and as soon the words had left my mouth I knew that. Yet there was nothing else I could say, for now that I had set my self on this path I had to continue.

"Under guidance and a watchful eye they would not have gained this much power" The Great Mother Goddess opposed. "I cannot believe that you truly believe this… guidance will not save these people. We have to break them. It is for there own good."

"You cannot! Do not break them! Please, please let me guide them!" I could not believe it. I was on my knees and begging them. Though kneeling on the tiles was not painful it hurt much more than I could ever have imagined. My heart ached with fear for my people.

"You are not fit to lead them. I mean, look at you, you are down on the floor bowed by your guilt already. How could you lead them like that Alathnia?" My sister said, pity evident in her voice.

I was shaking. At the use of my name I knew it was over. I had lost. I had failed my people. There was no longer anything I could do for them.

"She has brought this on her yourself, sister, why do you pity her?" My brother's voice came from behind me, speaking to my sister.

I had never heard Krypioth's voice so full of contempt. It was in that moment that I had found hope.

I had never thought that my sibling would leave me to our brother and sister's mercy. I just hadn't thought any of them would speak up.

Krypioth came forward and placed his right hand on my shoulder. It seemed a protective gesture but it offered me strength. My trembling lessened.

"Even if you find her guilty of giving them too much power what will you do with her?

You cannot not kill her, none of us will let you. You cannot take her immortality, not without tacking your own. You cannot take her symbols or vessels and make them yours, none of us have that right.

And wile she remains as she is you cannot conquer her lands.

I will say it again, what do you plan to do with Alathnia?" All this Krypioth delivered in a tone of mock severity.

Once again at the use of my name I felt the scales shift.

"From the glint in your eye, brother, I can see you wish to make a suggestion. Say it." Mithros snapped in irritation.

Calmly Krypioth spoke again. "Let her live among her precious people, not as a mortal yet not as god among mortals. Let her live on her skills not her gifts. I say, let her live as an immortal among mortals without any of her magic at all - and without her people remembering she was ever was a god."

As he spoke he squeezed my shoulder, to let me know that he was here for me and that he wasn't trying to be harsh on me, but what he said cut at me from inside.

If my people didn't remember me then that meant they would think another had been leading them… and then some of my brothers or sisters would claim the title of patron to one of the four lands I ruled.

Perhaps he meant to claim my lands and my people for himself I thought that perhaps I could accept that. Possibly. Maybe. No, I couldn't face it… I couldn't even bare the thought of someone else leading my people.

When I looked at Mithros the smile on his face sent shivers down my spine. He said to Krypioth- "brother, that idea was truly inspired. Now if you have nothing to else add you may return to your place."

Scowling at the dismissal Krypioth walked back to his place as calmly as a thundercloud.

My people. My people. Oh how I cried for them.

Tusaine

Tortall

Camelarn

Barzun

East

West

North

South

These four lands placed their trust in me and I failed them.

Oh my people, what will become of you?

Suddenly I realised Mithros was speaking again.

"…been decided that you shall be exiled to the mortal realm of Tortall, striped of your magic, and of your peoples belief in you. Go now."

Before I could rise to my feet once again a voice spoke up from behind me.

"We have yet to decide who will patron her lands." The Black God said.

I could almost hear anger in my brother's eternally calm voice.

He came forward and reached out his hand. He did not place it on my shoulder; instead he lent down and helped me to my feet.

"What will happen to them?" he never needed to shout to be heard, mostly he didn't even need to speak, a look, a glance was enough to get his message across.

"These matters need not be spoken of now." Mithros said warily.

With a flick of his hand the black God motioned me to speak.

"It almost sounds as if 'these matters' need never be spoken of. Do you mean to keep these lands to your self?" Damn, could I never hold my tongue? At least I had not shouted at him.

"I am curious, brother, as to what your thoughts on this are." The Dream God's voice echoed in everybody's minds. "In my opinion, her lands should be left until she has been redeemed and can come back to claim them."

"I cannot agree with this." Mithros' voice was calm, which surprised me.

As Mithros gazed around the room for support he was met openly with empty stares.

It seemed that not one of the gods or goddesses here believed that they had a chance to secure my lands, and so thought that no one else should be able to try. At least, that was the only conclusion my mind could come up with that made sense.

"All right, then so shall it be." Mithros' voice was tightly controlled.

And we all joined Mithros in speaking.

"So mote it be."

And thus my trial was concluded.

I feel so cold

My world is fading

They took from me every thing I was

Yet, they will not let me die

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I'll reply to them in the next chapter.

-Shadows