The duty she holds is one she takes to heart. While her twin leaves destruction with his flames that eat at everything in its path, hers gives revival. Her flames do not take away but helps to bring it back healthier, stronger, and swifter in its growth. They were a perfect balance of the flame since the time of their beginning. One gentle of warmth, the other the rage of passion. He would be the one to fight as she would be the one to defend, both knowing and understanding this.

It was here she found an interesting thing happening, of all of the Astral that had come to this plane to be its protectors, it was her brother that was fascinated by the simple beings that lived. Eyes that shared the same coloration gazed at the sitting form of her brother as his tan skin seemed to deepen in shade from the sun's light. His great horned head moved some in a form of greeting having heard the flutter of her twin wings as she landed. "What has brought you here, dear sister?" he asked never taking his eyes off from the group of humans from down below the cliffside he sat.

"I came to see what has interested one such as you to these inferiors for so long." She stated as the larger pair of her wings twitched outwards to allow the smaller pair to fold in, letting the other fold as well. Her clawed gauntlets giving a glint in the dying light as she moved to clasp them in front of the burgundy dress she wore. Her gaze took in the group with indifference. "They are frivolous beings that do not hold a flame to the likes of us."

Being known for his volatile nature by the others, it surprised them that he seemed so calm when it came to studying them. He knew what the others felt towards these smaller beings, and the way it confused them of his interest. More so in understanding when it came to his sister's confusion and concern about them as the shared bond they had, let him read her inner emotions. "Come sit with me." He implored to her with a slight turn of his body and a hand held out to her. She did not hesitate to do so slipping her slim hand into his, allowing her gauntlets to disappear in flames, to sit next to him as he slid his arm around her shoulders, careful of her long-feathered head that was her hair. It was moments of the little things they did for each other that they both cherished. "Look and watch, please."

Glancing at him before doing as he asked. Her bright amber eyes taking in the small beings that loitered around. They huddled in close to each other with tents of dried skins from animals they hunted. As the light left the area it brought forth the light of the soft glow of stars peppering the dark sky and the moon. The low light giving nothing to help the creatures that tried to move slowly in the darkness. Without the light of the sun they were blind to the night making a small scuff leave her throat.

"What am I to see that you see?" she asked feeling her feathered wings quiver. "I see stumbling lesser creatures that have no defense of claws or sharp teeth. An easy prey to those that hunt. They are not of an importance other than to belonging to the cycle that is life here." An easy chuckle left her brother putting her attention to him with a scowl. "Tell me. The others do not understand this interest as well."

Drawling her closer into his side he laid a cheek on top of her head, cautious of his horns, as she moved a little to lay her head on his shoulder. She let him do as he pleased feeling the heat that came from his body envelope her as his flame burned hotter than hers did. "But are they of so little importance?" he asked pointing down to them with a clawed finger. "Even in this darkness of lunar light that barely brightens the ground around them they still prevail. I have watched them work to build around them with what they can gather. They are tenacious beings that take each day given to them to live in a way I have not seen in other creatures by making objects. Taking the skins of those creatures they hunt to change it to something else that provides them from the elements exposure. Or learning how to take wild plants and make them able to harvest from it yearly."

A brow rose calmly at his words but continued to listen as he spoke. "I have watched them celebrate when new life comes to them in such a joyous style." At that he paused with a thoughtful look. "The look they have when this new life comes is much the same I see when you spread your flames around. Letting the light from them seep deeply to bring forth wonderous colors that can be seen later. And like you they mourn the loss of life that you help, they mourn those they have bonded with. To me that is what interest me about them. They find joy in small things, take each day to live what short time they are given, and still when one passes into the Beyond they persist with others that have felt that loss as a group."

She gave a small hum to his words. "They do not seem like much."

"That is only because we have not given them a chance." He stated letting his hand settle into his lap. "Why not take the time to do as I have been doing and watch them. Maybe even greet them with one of your messengers. Surely those two have had time to pick up the language they use, as we have."

"You would have me involve Lakshmi and Seraph with the likes of them? I would rather do so myself before sending them to do that for me." she simmered at the thought of her two most trusted companions being the ones to help commune with. He gave a slight shrug with his free shoulder. "It is only a thought of doing that. More to see what they could, or would, do if we came to be closer with them. Would they be hostile or awed by us. We do tend to give off an aura." He stated pointing out the light shimmer that covered them from the inner flame within them. It wasn't bright but it did give them a more ethereal look. "I bet they see us from up here by our light but cannot see us of who we are from the distance."

"Hmm." Throughout the rest of the night they remained on the cliffside watching as one by one these smaller beings found slumber. She did not give much thought as she disentangled from her brother having grown to lose interest in them. "I shall see you another time, dear brother of mine. I must get back to my chosen land and continue to revitalize the ground from the ashes of its volcanoes."

He quickly got up to grab onto her wrist to stop her from taking to the skies forcing her to slightly turn to him. Her wings resettling on her back. "If I call upon you, sister, would you come to me?" His question left her confused as she nodded her head, brows together. "Of course, no matter what I do I will always be there to answer you. We both know we would never ignore the other for we are twins, and it hurts us deeply to do such a thing." A genuine smile lifted his lips at her remarks as she closed the distance between them to lift her free hand laying it along his jaw to search his gaze with concern. All she could see was the warmth of his gaze and the feel of his thumb rubbing gently along her forearm that he held jostling the gold bangles that rested there. "Why must you ask this of me, brother? Or what brought you to this length of asking?"

Bringing up his other hand to cover hers that laid along his jaw tilting his head more into her touch. Unlike his heat that raged hotter, hers was a cooler warmth but still held heat that soothed him. Her confusion and worry flowed to him through their bond even though he let her know he was of a calm mind and delighted with her near him. "It has been a thought of mine to gift those mortals."

"Gift? Of what?" Uncertainty dominating her tone, her gaze imploring him to explain.

"It is just a thought. I am still thinking on it."

"Now you must tell me what has grabbed ahold of you from within your mind." She demanded even with knowing he was not in turmoil from the bond, only feeling that of contentment. "Whatever it is, brother, know I will always take council with you whenever you need it. Never forget that. We are one half of a flame."

He smiled softly letting his eyes close to her softer warmth before opening them once more. "I have thought about gifting them my fire as they seem to lack the light it can provide them during the night."

She drew back at that. "Ifrit?!" With a shake of her feathered head. "They do not need help from us to survive. If they cannot do so with what they have then they are not meant to be here." A quiet sigh pushed past his lips gently taking her hand from his jaw. "As I stated it is only a thought, dear sister. I will continue to watch over them for a time, but I wanted to know once I have made my mind up if you would come with me when it happens. You are one half of our flame, without you gifting fire to them as well, they will only receive the more destructive side of the flame."

She searched his gaze feeling this was important to him as her lips thinned some in thought. "Just as you are still thinking on it, I too, shall think on it. Maybe even continue to study them as you do from afar to see the worth of giving them such a gift from our very being." Careful of his crown and the circlet she wore, Ifrit lowered his forehead down to touch with hers, both closing their eyes. "That is all I ask of you. May we both find our answers in time." She breathed deeply taking in the scent that was him before leaning back as he did the same. Taking that as a farewell for now, she turned letting her wings stretch and with several beats she was afloat in the night sky.

He watched her go feeling the urge overcome her to give into play. Witnessing her give into these urges to do some aerobatics he let out a chuckle. She was never one to stay serious as she was of a gentle nature and knew she would soon see something in these small creatures that he has come to see. Several bright orange feathers flutter down to the ground near where he stood. Taking to pick one up he watched as the other two feathers shimmered into tiny lights that were soon seeping into the ground. A few moments later showed new growth of wild flowers that would shortly bloom in the coming days giving color to the top of the cliff. Looking to the feather he held seeing it was one of her smaller flight feathers.

A gentle breeze trembled around him catching ahold of the feather some before letting his fingers open for the breeze to sail the feather into the air. It tumbled around before gliding over the cliff down to the ground below before he lost sight of it.


In the coming days as she worked the land into lush green grass and helped the forest flourish in parts she was content. The largest volcano was the one she decided would be her home as it could contain her in times of rest. The other volcanos formed almost a barrier of high mountain sides at the edge of the continent with only a small valley for travel into this land. The land was smaller than the two continents south of it, that her fellow Astrals took to occupying, but held a large area of land for her to soar around. The size was something she was content with as it was small but not to a size of the islands like those she came upon further south. When she flew around neither end was seen other than the little bit of the peaks of mountain tops from afar from within the middle of the land.

When not having to tend to her land she went in search of these beings that held her brothers fancy. During those times she came to watch them during the day as she found come night they went into a slumber. Here she watched from a settled place on the ground near enough to them yet far from the chosen group of them. Her larger form being seen in the clear daylight as she lounged on the soft grass.

In her time watching she found the younger ones of these beings braver in approaching her as their curiosity slowly won over them. They stayed back but time soon sent them closer and closer to her. Giggles could be heard clearly by her as they took to playing in her view and that of the newly formed growth of young trees since her arrival. They took to climbing low branches that thicken as time passed during her length of watching. Like the trees, the creatures that roamed the land came to be healthier from her aura that seeped into the ground she laid on and that of the surrounding area.

Beyond that of the younger ones she took interest in the goings of these beings as they went about the day. Being mindful of what her brother spoke to her about them she found a warmth enter her by the way they handle each other. Those older in the group remained to tend those younger often calling to them for certain things of help, other times to call out to make sure all of the younger ones were accounted for. Those that were of able body would head out in order of doing whatever it was they did before returning. Some would have a body of a creature being carried by several of the members and other occasions bring back clothing they made wet to be hung in the wind to dry. Many instances she was able to watch the interaction of members coming to help no matter the age, unless they were extremely young or old.

At certain arrivals, they did have disputes between each other, but it didn't last long before days later they would be found laughing together. It was also a time when she came during an event they were readying for a celebration. What it was remained a mystery as dancing and notes from instruments filled the air in a chaotic way that formed a rhythm. Festive noise filled in-between the rhythmic tones as she watch all ages of the group joining in ways they could. Some stayed sitting as they swayed, others took a partner to spin around the other, and those younger taking no notice of who they pushed themselves into in the games they played.

The warmth she felt within her grew more at witnessing the simple joy and care they gave each other. The ways they were quick to lend a hand towards one of their older members move around as their own body rebelled against it. Or when a member was in need of time away from their own offspring another would take over watch till they could come back with a clearer soul. What interested her was during one of her times visiting the group they came up to her and kneeled before her. It left her baffled by this change. Yes, she had been overseeing this group as many of the younger ones were now reaching an age in later times that left them with their own younglings.

"We hail the Lifebringer, Goddess of Rebirth. She who watches us. Giving bountiful life onto the land." An elder of the group stated. "By this day, we come to celebrate all that she has given us." She was rendered speechless by those words. Being given titles, gaining this level of admiration. The elder then stood with the help of a younger member. "We thank you for appearing before us." Studying the elder from where she laid, let a head bow in acceptance of the titles they gave her never thinking to giving them her actual name. Seeing this a cheer filled the air bringing with it a festive feel that stayed late into the night with her inner light providing some light for them.

As more days went she would find many of the children of this tribe surround her. Their curiosity and amazement of the Lifebringer spurred her to play with them using a feather plucked by her. Or a hand bare of her gauntlet so she did not harm them. They flocked her during her visits giving her satisfaction at their enjoyment of her presence and she found delight at the sight of the innocence they carried. That innocence was much like her inner light that at times could be seen glittering about her person. They were infectious with their laughter that she found herself snickering at their antics.

One particular member of the group often came up to her. He was young but not of the age that needed supervision. He stood tall and was decently built of frame with muscles showing hard work over time. Bronze sun kissed skin with a unique coloring of hair. It was shaggy in a length, ending near his waist with the top half bound by a leather strap. This unique color of his hair attracted her attention as no other had it, not even those of his parents. It was reddish in color but held a sheen of violet to in the sunlight. At times the color seemed to shift in shades that it intrigued her every time she gazed at him.

This day seemed different. Most times, he would come up to her as she settled into her position of lounge and simply enjoyed the sun's warming rays with her as the sounds of nature filled the quiet. Other times she could see him with a stack of thin pages of something that he would work at with a block of black material that would be smudged all over him after a time. The more he came, the more she grew curious of this man that a stubble appeared on his chin thickening in the show of passing time. It didn't have a length like other men she had seen but was enough that it gave him a rugged look.

"What is your name?" she suddenly found herself asking him in her latest visit having watched for a while as he scuffled on those thin pages. He jerked at the soft chiming voice that filled the meadow that made him glance up to the much larger being that was before him. When she did not speak again he quickly glanced around in confusion as to where it might have come from. Taking slight humor in this she spoke again in their tongue. "Mortal, that keeps me company, what is your name?" At this he gazed at her in wonder as no other had heard her speak.

Quickly he sat what was in his hands to give a low bow before her, making a small smile work into her lips. "You do not need to bow. Sit as you once were." He nodded swiftly dropping back into his seated position. He worked his jaw a few times as words failed him before being able to answer her. "Cidulfus."

"Then let it be known I am Phoenix." She stated finally revealing her true name and let her eyes slide shut taking in the rays. Cidulfus repeating the name given to him. "You may continue to what you were doing."

"I-I was drawing, Lifebringer." He stated stuttering, gaining her gaze upon him again at the title given, her amber eyes speckled with a deep orange that was closer to the iris. Something he was only now just seeing.

Curious of these depictions, she leaned closer to him bringing the once spacious area between them to mere feet. Never had they been in close contact with her and the fact she was the one to make the move left the man rather red in the face and wide-eyed. "What do you draw of?" Her stare never leaving his until he gave her the permission she sought. She may be a being of divine power, but many knew some form of boundaries were needed.

"Uh, I uh…your eyes are marvelous." He spilled out then slapping a hand over his mouth burning red. She pulled back in surprise of this, feeling her inner flame shiver a little at the deeper warmth spreading within her. Concern intertwined through the bond showing she had received Ifrit's attention some, but she returned it with calmness. "Forgive me, Lifebringer!"

A brow raised at that feeling a side of her lips wanting to lift into a smirk. "For giving me a compliment that I found sweet?" Laying on her right side she let her left wings lift into the air in a stretch as her eyes close in relief that came, then permitting them to fold back in. "We are beings of power, but even we like to be charmed." Taking a look at him she found the man open mouthed.

"The colors of your feathers are stunning, even more with the sun's rays flittering through them. They glimmer in color I have not seen before." A smile broke through knowing they have never seen that of the fire she carries having completely forgotten to find what he was drawling. "Thank you. I do pride myself in keeping them clean. Without them I do not have the ability of flight." Turning some she had a wing move as she looked it over to take ahold of a smaller feather to pluck it with a bit of a wince.

Putting it down on the ground between them she waved to the man to do as he wished to explore over one of them. Either way it would find its way to become embedded into the ground as the essence of her feather merged. Cidulfus slowly brought a hand to lay on the orange feather taking in the shade of darker orange and some colors of yellow. The stiff feel of the bristles was a texture many birds had that he was familiar with. Her head lowered against the bend of her arm as she watched the man admire over it. His awe of her feather made her smile.

Over time she grew to enjoy his company even more as he showed her what he drew all those times. Many of them were of the area with shading that defined it even with only the use of charcoal while the few others were of her. She was surprised by this as she would never have thought any being would want to use her as an artistic project. A finger gently caressing the pages taking in all that he saw of her. Some were of her face in several different ways that ranged from her gazing at something to relaxed, as if in sleep. Others being of her hand both with and without her gauntlets. One held that of her left wings being half extended with only the outline of her shoulder and part of her side.

"I find you interesting to draw." He stated once. "You are unlike any I have seen and when you grace us with your presence it is a feeling like that of a mother's embracing warmth. It is calming and over the years we have seen what your presence brings. The herds are hardy and healthy, the soil is rich for plants to thrive, and the food provided by both beast and plant alike has made us healthy as well. We still have times in which we lose a member of the tribe, but it has been a life extended than what we once knew."

She would smile as he talked granting her all that had become different in a way before her arrival. It had been the same way with her lands, that with the help of her companions, bring beasts to the land as no creature could live on unfertile ground from before. The ecosystem of predator and prey helping to further mold it.

With this she found a need to locate her brother. Having come to love this group of beings she knew it was time to seek him out. The time took little knowing he felt her decision solidify. Appearing in a flurry of feathers she wrapped her arms diagonally around his torso from behind laying her head on his left shoulder that was covered by red cloth. The connection flowing stronger between them with touch. A sigh leaving her in appreciating the emotions Ifrit sent her at being near her as well. "Do you still plan to gift them fire?" she asked eyes closed.

He chortled as he leisurely moved his horned head to glance at her. "Yes, but I am curious as to what changed your mind? Before you thought them lesser." She huffed lightly at his tone being able to hear the playfulness within. "You know me too well just as I know you, my dear brother. I may have differed in opinion in the beginning, but you know how to peak my curiousness. I found a group not too far from the sea that is close to my land to make myself comfortable as I watched them go about their lives. I found they have a kindness towards each other and the compassion to the sufferings of who lives within the group."

"It grew in time that they would approach me at times, but never to an extent that I could reach them myself, still being cautious of me as a larger presence. Soon, those younger, grew into the leaders and I found myself being the center of one of their celebrations earning the title by them the Lifebringer. Once they found that I had enjoyed the celebration I found myself surrounded by the children. Oftentimes finding myself giving into the infectious playful nature to entertain them."

"It was entertainment to you as well sister." She used a wing to bump into his other side earning a laugh from him as he moved a hand to pat her cheek lightly. "It seems you have gained followers in your time away. Maybe once we gift them with fire I will see this tribe of yours." Lifting her head she gave him a glare. "They do not belong to me. I have only grown to like them and tolerate." She gave a scowl at the grin that formed from him. "Oh, yes, as you have indicated, dear sister."

Taking this chance to view beyond the cliff finding the group was no longer small but had grown quite large in her time away. "My, they have grown."

"That they have. Come, it is time to give them fire. I have already asked Seraph to bring wood to a spot for our flame to rest for a time." He stated taking hold of her hand in his as they both disappeared in a burst of flame and feathers to appear near the center where a large upright pile of lumber had been placed. Stand side by side they walked slowly into the center neither letting the other go feeling the mixture of flames grow within them. Crowds formed near them as they moved yet they stayed back enough to give space. Moving her hand within his hold to have her palm facing out with his held under they raised them in front of them. A flame began to form that grew as they feed power into it. Murmurs soon filled around the twins as the heat from the flame produced spread. Reaching the center they stood before the pile that would help to fuel the flames.

Pushing their hands into the pile they watched the flames expand. Appearing beside them was Lakshmi in a flowing blue dress and vivid blue wings being of her humanoid form that stood near the height of the humans. "Here stands the Pryeburner and Lifebringer. Unto you they gift you with their flame. Let it's heat and light provide you for the coming days." Cheers rang into the sky.

Days seemed to pass since then bring with it a new way of life for humankind as they could use the flames provided to them at night. Ifrit stayed to watch over them becoming the one the people took to worshiping along with the other Astrals. They held Phoenix high in regards as she had been there to also give the gift many knowing that the Infernien was her brother, but she was rarely seen around. She mainly stayed tending to the tribe she had come to know better as they did her.

Her time had also been spent much with Cidulfus that she found a growing fondness of the man. This fondness reaching through the bond to Ifrit. Wanting to know what this feeling was that came from his sister he would make sure to hide his presence in order to observe the two of them. Most of those visits weren't of much as they were comfortable in each other's nearness. Other times he would witness his sister interact with the man and feel from her side feelings grow.

It did not help that Ifrit would find himself keeping company of Shiva when not watching over his sister. As the years past he grew to be in love with the Goddess of Ice that it led to him realizing that his sister was in love with the mortal.

"Sister." He approached her knowing she would be within her land. She turned with a large smile and pure bliss flowing from her at seeing him. "Brother!" Quickly she flew down to him encircling him with a hug to which he returned. Pulling back slightly she gazed up at him having felt how tense he was. "What is wrong?"

"That mortal." He started making sure to soften his voice. "Does he know the heart he holds in his hands?"

Pulling fully away from Ifrit she turned, and he could see her wings clench into her back as she gripped her hands together. "No, he does not, be he will soon." Phoenix knew of the mortal he spoke of having been introduced to the tribe she had come to watch over. "I know it is foolish to give my heart to one that will be but a blink in the stream of time. I know I should have left for time to take its toll on him so he would be able to pass into the Beyond." Here she turned to stare at her brother, torment being felt between them. One for the heartbreak that will surely follow in his passing and the other for the distress he would feel for his sister. "I know this, but I cannot stay away from him."

"It did not help when you became involved with Shiva. I could feel your love of her." She stated with a small smile glimpsing his way. "The more I grew to love him, the more you seemed to grow to love her. Our bond is a gift, but I am also finding it is a curse as our emotions seem to mix between us." Ifrit turned his head away understanding what she said. His love for Shiva had been of his own doing but he knew small caresses had been encouraged by his own sister's feelings. It was the same for Pheonix as the bond was a two-way stream. These caresses of emotions were usually recognized as they were always aware of one another but even they could not be on guard all of the time.

"The Astrals will not take kindly to this." He stated. She scuffed with a flare of her wings she took to pacing back and forth.

"Do you not think I know this?! They would kill him and possibly the tribe to punish me for my transgressions. I have gifted one of my feathers to him so that he may live longer." A frown worked onto his mouth having noticed that the mortal had lived for some time now and here she let it be known how. "My feathers will only keep him alive for so long, but I love him deeply." Her sharp emotions bit at him showing how tormented by this knowledge of what she was doing did to her. "I already have Leviathon watching me more closely and we both know how the revulsion she harbors to them even with being worshipped."

Flames licked along her body as her emotions raged inside of her forcing Ifrit to take hold of her shoulders. It forced her to face him as his gaze bore into hers. "Know that I will be here for you, but what you do next is your choice. I cannot force you from him or from the tribe that has claimed you, but I also cannot say to continue this." Moving his hands to hold her face tenderly in them continuing eye contact. "Whatever you decide to do, I will be there for you at the end. Though, I do not think they would go as far as to destroy the whole tribe."

A sneer twisted on her lips. "It's not as if they take caution to the deaths of those that happen to be under foot also. Only that they shouldn't have been in the way of our path. We are mountains to them being on the same plain. Our power causes disasters when we go into a rage. Wiping a tribe as small as that one is like an insect being a nuisance that a quick smack ends it."

The sneer slowly melted away leaving her tired in look. "It does not help me that I have walked among them. Seeing the wonder they can see at a smaller view of the world." Tilting her head to the side as her gaze took in the tall trees she helped nurture. "I stand here and see miles of land and when in the sky I see even more at the cost of the finer details. At their size, they see more from the trees towering overhead to the veins in a flower. It is beautiful sights we have disregarded." Gently taking hold of his wrists she drew them from her face giving him a soft look that could barely hide the grief beneath.

Leaning down he let his forehead touch her. "Always remember you are one half of a flame. Do not let this be the cause of your flame to smolder and perish." Phoenix didn't reply only letting the love Ifrit held wash over her. "If it worries you intensely, why not bring the tribe to live here on your land. You would not need to leave to be with them if they are here instead being constantly watched over." As she thought over the idea he presented Ifrit was rewards with a grin.


In the coming years she continued to greet the growing tribe that now resided on her land. Persuading them had been easy as she was the main Astral they revered. To them, she was above the others with Ifrit gaining in popularity as he would visit with her while they began to rebuild. Even her companions Lakshmi and Seraph had begun to be praised. This praising led to stone figures being made in adoration. Like that of the newly named nation of Solheim many had given the name Stella Lux for her land. Several different towns sprung up throughout with Crowpoint being the first one town at the land's only valley entrance of the mountain barrier.

Other towns came later with names of Silentvale, Argenzon, and Dimont. The valley earned the name One Way Valley for the miles of enclosed path that was surrounded by great bluff sides. It was narrow enough those traveling in small group weren't worried but still wide for it to be a main trading road. Near the base of the largest volcano that Phoenix set as her resting place now housed the lone artiest, Cidulfus. Being as the tribe, now becoming that of a nation, knew of Phoenix's interest of him and his longer life span, had become a figure of sorts. Many calling him her chosen herald and would seek him out for decisions. As the devotion for all of the Astrals grew, many held Phoenix and Ifrit the highest. With the nation's growth, a city surged at the base of the mountain coming to be known as the City of Custos, home of the Seraphim. The city gaining sculptures of the siblings, with the towns taking to showing homage of the other gods.

During the times she visits with Cidulfus they would take quiet strolls around the vicinity and give greetings to the citizens. When out in nature, away from the growing city, they would take the time to watch the stars or sun rise and fall. Other times she would take a pose that he would ask of her and draw. It never led to more than that between them.

Cidulfus understood it could not be more than innocence between them. Just being with her was a gift itself. He was not mad by this, nor scorned, that nothing more physical could develop. What made it matter to him was the radiance she gave when he would simply take her hand in his or speak with her on any topic that came that day. She had confessed to him her reasonings and the fears she had if it was to be discovered what she had been doing to prolong his life. It was the main reason for him taking any time he had with her to make every visit special for her so that she would have beautiful memories of those times.

He could feel a strain not physical, per say, but of a spiritual sense. With each feather given to him the strain within developed heavier. It sadden Cidulfus to think of what the years to come would bring him knowing he may not be able to take another feather. As he aged once again before her eyes Cidulfus could feel the time had come to him. Even now, Cidulfus could see traces of grey hair starting to come through and lines deepening into his skin. If he was seeing this happening, then so was she. He could feel the way his body would fail at times in certain weather conditions earlier than before.

As more grey appeared, in the passing time, he would often find a feather placed where it was easily seen by its bright color. With a heartbreaking smile he would pick it up, careful to not touch it, and search for a while to place it in an area that the feather would trickle into. She had begun to fret about him with worry using little bits of her light to ease the aches he would gain as that was all he would allow. Every time he spotted a feather of hers, he repeated the process.

"Why do you not take my feather and use it for yourself?" She asked after watching him several times take it to another location. Each location different.

He turned to her with a loving gaze as she watched the latest feather disappear before looking to him. "I have lived longer than most would dream for. I have spent all of my time besides you as a person of importance. I have felt your love of me in simple ways, relishing each moment given with every touch, every laugh, and every stunning smile. Being able to show with every stroke on paper how remarkable you are as I see you. That has been a gift."

Moving to take ahold of her right hand as she was in her smaller form he gave a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "I am but a mortal. Both in body…and in soul." He stated woefully letting his thumb caress the hand he held. "It is time for me to rest." Lifting he gaze up to hers. "Something we both know has been nearing with every feather I take, age speeds faster for me. It will hurt once I leave but know of my affection I hold for you. Not even the Beyond will take that love from me."

Phoenix gripped his hand aware of the truth in his words. It hurt her heart to know even with the help of her feathers she would still lose him. A feeling of comfort was felt from her brother as if he was there giving her a tight hug and for that she was grateful. Staring into the Cidulfus' blue eyes seeing the shine of his love a thought came to her. "Then we'll take the most of what time is left for us."

He gave her a questioning look. "But what more is needed than what we have already done? Just being with you and knowing I hold your heart is more than I could ask for." Phoenix gave a delicate smile. "I want to you have all that I am. Heart and soul." With that she leaned in and kissed him.

He pulled away in surprise taking in the smile she wore. Turning from her, he glanced to the flowing grass that surrounded him. "I have dreamed of this many times but knew it could not be. As I am a mortal and you of the divine. We are of opposite scales. I understood nothing more than innocent touches could be given and accepted that." Peering back at her he asked. "Why now? It could bring the wrath of the other Astral upon you."

Stepping closer she lifted her free hand to caress the side of his jaw feeling him tilt into it. "To me you are valuable, and no other will take your place. Just as I am half a flame to my brother, you are my heart. For that, I want to yours, give you all of me." Closing her eyes she gave a peak on his lips again. "But you already have." He breathed thinking to all of the time they spent together. "You do not have to…" she silenced him with another kiss before letting inches of space between them. "It is my choice to give. Will you accept?" His eyes bore into hers as his answer came swift in a whisper. "Yes."