[Center][color=salmon][h2]Astella[/h2][/color]

&

[color=7bcdc8][h2]I’Iro[/h2][/color][/center]

[hider=recap]
Astella met Wyn and since then has been pretty busy with finishing construction in the City of the Gods.

I’Iro is just returning from her long travels.
[/hider]

[center][b]I[/b][/center]

Astella stood there, elbows leaned onto the thick balustrade decorating her office’s balcony. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWN_AkPDqQc&ab_channel=EpicMusicWorldEpicMusicWorld]She was breathing in the air--Pure, clean, refreshing[/url]. For the first time since she came to this world, she could see the fruits of everyone’s labour. The world was becoming livable again, its fate was no longer certain... and most importantly, the people living their lives far below in the streets of the recently finished City of the Gods had begun to smile. They were healing, their open wounds scarring and fading. 

That was what she wanted to do, she realized some time ago. To feel involved and loved, to feel like she actually mattered in the hearts and souls of the ones blessed with mortality. 

She was happy. Really, as soon as the last chair in the meeting room had been assembled and the last toilet installed, she felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders. And yet, she also felt a void in her heart. 

Lazily, she turned her sight towards the Wellspring well off into the distance, her sight allowing her to pinpoint the location of her pedestal easily enough. She’d been so excited then about the possibility of showing her fellow Gods what she was capable of, and yet the only ones who came to visit after the Wellspring had been unclogged had come by and left as if they didn’t care at all about the project. 

She sighed, slumping further onto the balustrade. 

If only she could do more for the humans under her care. More than just providing a healthy ecosystem for them to hunt and gather and farm…

Her thoughts were interrupted as she felt a familiar presence sneakily jump onto the balustrade and walk up to her. It was Snowie. The cat (she’d grown a lot over time) affectionately rubbed itself against Astella’s arm and shoulder while purring. Astella chuckled weakly, each laugh feeling like a stab through the heart, and then wrapped her arm around the clingy cat.

Life wasn’t perfect, not by a long shot. But at that moment with a whirlpool of emotions raging on inside her chest and a purring, sleepy cat snuggled up against her as she watched the sunset, Astella felt alive.

[center][b]II[/b][/center]

It had been a regular day that day. She’d watched the sunrise and along with it, the peoplerise. After that, she’d made her rounds walking through the streets while greeting people and giving out a helping hand whenever possible. As soon as she had finished chatting with Lilac and his family at their bakery and had begun to make her way towards Old Angea’s Smithy, something unexpected happened. 

She stumbled on a spidercrab, one of I’Iro’s workers. 

Of course, such a thing wasn’t enough to make a Goddess fall flat on her face, but she did scratch her hands and knees.

[color=salmon]”Ow...”[/color] Astella muttered to herself as a child quickly ran up to her and helped her up. After she dusted herself off, they flashed smiled at each other and the kid ran off, leaving Astella to observe the Spidercrab as it slowly turned around, the fine layer of rust on its joints flaking off and causing sparks.

The lights behind the Spidercrab’s eyes shone meaningfully. It had been sick for a while, much like its siblings, but the fact that this one was actually moving was a surprise to Astella. She squinted and confirmed the microscopic number imprinted one centimeter above its right eye.

[color=salmon]”Ah! M4CK13, it’s you!”[/color] Astella grinned and dropped to her knees despite having injured them just a few seconds ago. She carefully grabbed the Spidercrab and lifted it up to her eye level, admiring how, despite its old and withering body, it still tried to move. 

“01 APPROACHING. END OF MISSION. SHUTDOWN BY 01 IMMINENT. CURRENT USER, 02-” The little robot’s speech suddenly cut off as the lights behind its eyes blinked rapidly, then settled on a low intensity. “CURRENT USER, 02, ‘GOOD JOB’. NOW HIBERNATING.”

And just like that, the small robot went limp and silent and its lights turned off. 

Astella softly lowered the robot to the floor, made of carefully constructed stone bricks by M4CK13 and its army of siblings. She ran a hand through her hair, sweeping it back as she let out a shaky sigh. After a moment, she looked at her hands. Soft, as if she hadn’t just fallen to the ground. As if she hadn’t put years of work into building the entire city along with the Spidercrabs.

She hunched over a little as her breath caught in her throat. Her eyes watered and she shivered almost imperceptibly. All around her were the signs of a world that had moved. The Wild had become Civilized. Adults had become elders, children had become adults, and new life had been made. Buildings were being used, memories were being made, lives moved on, and yet she looked the same as always. Stuck, like some sort of living, moving statue, like a symbol rather than something truly living.

And then she heard a familiar flapping of metallic wings. A sound she hadn’t heard in a long, long time.A gentle turquoise light filled the location, most humans surprised as they had never seen the goddess of dreams and her loyal dragon before, it hovered over them before landing gently in the main plaza. I’Iro looked around her with a sense of amazement, clearly more towards the human town rather than her own meeting ground project. After the initial surprise, she kept looking for something, before she finally found Astella at the entrance of the Central Plaza, standing there with wide eyes and slack jawed. I’Iro waved in a timid, or rather, robotic way, to which Astella responded by dashing up to I’Iro.

[center][b]III[/b][/center]

[color=salmon]”IRO!!!!!!!!!!”[/color] She shouted as she basically tackled the robot Goddess to the ground, wrapping her in the biggest, strongest hug she could… Which wasn’t much by God standards. [color=salmon]”Iro, Iro!! I missed you so much! Where were you?!?! Why were you gone so long??? We [i]have[/i] to catch up.”[/color] She asked rapid-fire while quickly wiping her eyes.

The goddess of dreams was extremely casual about being tackled to the ground, in all honesty her metallic body had really only dealt damage in the fall to the poor floor, taking none in return. She stared at Astella for a moment, placing one arm around Astella for stability, the expression was the typical deadpan. [code]Oh greetings Astella. It has truly been a long time. Has it not? I intended to return earlier but some matters took my attention…[/code] she stopped as soon as the goddess cleaned her eyes. [code]Ah! Were you distressed? Did something bad happen while I was away? I am very sorry for I think my behaviour here was selfish. I should not have left this task only to you and my workers.[/code]

Astella smiled sweetly and shook her head, giving a single sniffle before grinning. [color=salmon]”N-No, don’t worry! I was just so happy to see you again that my eyes started sweating.”[/color] She explained as she carefully got off I’Iro and stood up, then offered her a hand. [color=salmon]”Sorry about the whole tackle thing, I didn’t hurt you did I? I gotta work on taming my emotions...”[/color]

I’Iro took the hand but was way too heavy for Astella’s small frame to pull, and getting up almost made the two goddesses crash down again. [code]Oh. That is a peculiar term to refer to crying. Nevertheless. Fret not for I am completely unhurt. I did not feel anything really.[/code] she smiled despite the completely cold tone and content of what she had said. [code]Well. Returning to your question. I have been exploring the continent. I delved into many ruins. Almost died in one by touching an ancient corrupted device. In another I unleashed a wave of cold that could have freezed the continent. It was thankfully tamed and now we have winter once a year... I met many humans that were quite peculiar. Well the one called Maydly is not really a human anymore. She reminds me a lot of you. Unpretentious and sweet but also energetic.[/code] 

Astella listened intently to I’Iro’s recount of her adventures, nodding when appropriate and cooing in surprise and worry in several parts. Finally, I’Iro turned her head slightly to the humans that now watched them. [code]It seems the Mons Divinus Embassy City project has developed in unexpected ways. It seems some gods have moved by as well.[/code]

[color=salmon]”Oh! That, uh, yeah. It wasn’t in the plan. Orynn came by with Ze’Kelia and dropped a few hundred humans here.”[/color] Astella pursed her lips and waved at the humans. Most of them waved back, but they all had their sights set on I’Iro. Finally, Astella addressed them. [color=salmon]”Alright people, this-”[/color] She began and motioned towards I’Iro, [color=salmon]”Is I’Iro, Goddess of Dreams. You can pray to her about that topic all you want. As usual guys, hands off and no weird business. Give our guests respect! She’s also my best friend so if you annoy her I will make you wet your pants by making a monster chase you from here to the foot of the mountain.”[/color] 

Many of the humans chuckled, and many spoke at once trying to get I’Iro’s attention..

“Hi I’Iro!” said a woman holding a newborn.

I’Iro waved back looking at the baby with curiosity. [code]Greeti…[/code]

“Welcome to the City!” Exclaimed a muscular man, striking a confident pose.

The goddess tilted her head in confusion as she was cut off [code]Oh. Thank y…[/code]

“Want some traditional bread?” Asked a young adult holding a basket of fresh bread and trailed by two boys.

[code]Bread? Ah. It is food. Well I have never eaten anything before but…[/code]

“Hello Goddess.” Said an elderly man with a slight bow of his head, careful not to lose his balance.

Her eyes widened a bit. So many people at one. She bowed back to the elder and opened her mouth to speak...

“You made the spidercrabs! Can I have one? Astella won’t let me touch them!!” Asked a young girl.

[code]The drones? Well first I must do maintenance to them, Then maybe…[/code] she stepped back, overwhelmed.

After a moment, Astella turned toward I’Iro and sighed, smiling. [color=salmon]”You don’t have to do anything, you know. It’s up to you.”[/color]

The mechanical goddess nodded in agreement. [code]Well. I know. But still…  Nevertheless. They are so friendly and casual up here. It is quite incredible. Most mortals I have met were very shy or scared. I have never seen any mortal treat gods like family before. But here they seem so casually fond of you. And you. Equally. To them.[/code] I’Iro observed as the mortals continued to make requests. 

Astella grinned, grabbed I’Iro’s hand and pulled her towards the Central Structure, waving a hand at the curious humans. [color=salmon]”Alright, introduction time’s over! Now I will proceed to have a sleepover with my best friend so don’t bother us! See you guys around!”[/color] She exclaimed before scooting up to whisper into I’Iro’s ear. [color=salmon][i]”You really think so? I’ve tried my best to get them to see me as just another person, ‘cause, you know, that’s what we are, right?”[/i][/color]

I’Iro had learned to not even resist when Astella pulled her around, it was utterly futile. She took a little while to answer because she was distracted with the sight of the central structure, it was nice to see it turned into reality. [code]I do believe my assessment reflects reality. Yes. While your second one is up for a more philosophical debate I too agree with you on that. But clearly many gods do not. Even ones with good natured hearts still see mortals as tools rather than individuals. It is… Hard. Actually. To become familiar with mortals. I have been trying very hard to do so in my travels but the existence of godhood makes the relationships inevitably unequal. So to come here and see what you have done. The honest bond you have with these people. It is quite inspiring.[/code] 

Astella stopped walking for a moment, hugged I’Iro tightly and then continued. [color=salmon]”I love you, I’Iro.”[/color] She said as they walked up the steps to the Central Structure’s Entrance and entered the massive building. [color=salmon]”It’s not easy to keep relationships like they are, though. I’m terrified of new Gods coming to visit and ruining my work by treating the humans like garbage or slaves. I don’t think I could handle having them look at me with fear… Not after… Not after what we’ve all seen throughout these harrowing years.”[/color]

[code]I also greatly cherish your company Astella.[/code] she replied, and although she was also looking over the structure she paid close attention to all that was said. [code]While the worry is understandable I question if it is wise to feel defeated before the event even happens. I cannot understand the philosophy perfectly but some mortals I met would bring up the fact you are worsening your current good times with fears of future bad times.[/code] the mechanical goddess let out a small sigh, speaking the words of others was a hard task even with her perfect memory.

[code]And nevertheless, it seems a few gods have already been here while I was away. This makes me believe you are underestimating your own ability to stay connected to mortals.[/code] she gave two gentle pats on Astella’s shoulder, trying to encourage the other goddess. 

Astella pursed her lips, but after a moment looked up at I’Iro with a half-smile. [color=salmon]”You might be right. Maybe I should try to travel some, like you did. I’ve heard some rumours about incredible lands up north and to the southwest. Have you heard anything about the ‘Hellspring’ or the land of Mirrors?”[/color]

I’Iro shook her head. [code]I have not heard of either, the areas I visited were mostly the swamp to the southeast which is impressively populated for our times. Arira’s paradise and the cold lands far to the south.[/code] they stopped near a window that overlooked the whole embassy city, even though it was half populated at the moment and even less so if you didn’t count humans, it was an impressive sight. [code]And I definitely recommend traveling as a way to both relax and broaden your horizons. In fact. I am going to stay here for some time working on some theories I have in my mind. As such if you wish I could lend you Nalmepror.[/code]

[color=salmon]”Really?! Are you sure you won’t need him? I don’t even know what he eats!”[/color] Astella perked up, grabbing one of I’Iro’s hands with both of hers. [color=salmon]”I could see so many things from above without having to deal with the stench or tragedy. It sounds like a dream come true! How long could you lend him to me for?”[/color]

I’Iro tapped her chin. [code]Well… It is a bit hard to speak of time when all the metrics are unstable. I will be making my embassy here and selecting a few humans to study so that I will need to talk about uhm. About one human gestation period? Maybe two. If you come back within that timeframe it will really not be a problem. Speaking of which. Have you built an embassy? Is that big oppressive one with all the gold and stairs yours?[/code]

Astella rolled her eyes and slumped onto the balustrade. [color=salmon]”Not in a million years. That is Wyn’s, the one who came by and implied our work was ugly and inadequate, and also insulted the humans. I don’t actually have an embassy yet. I was thinking of maybe settling for a floor in this building.”[/color]

[code]I figured it was not yours. The design is exaggerated and it feels too focused on overwhelming and belittling others. It is no surprise that the creator is so chauvinistic… Ah but I should not be talking such things about someone I have not met just because her architectural design is anathema to my own. With that said it does raise an issue with your idea of taking the floor of this building. If we overtake too much of the central meeting ground it will increase the probability that other gods might feel alienated. This goes against the core concept of our idea when building this place.[/code]

Astella nibbled on her lower lip for a second, [color=salmon]”True, I suppose.”[/color]

The mechanical goddess waited for a moment, the wind gently making her azure hair flow. [code]The location I have chosen is a bit far from the centre of the town. There is a pleasant spot between here and my own. If you wish you could set that plot aside for a location of your own. Do you have any ideas for the purpose of your embassy? For example in mine I will likely run an education program for mortals.[/code]

[color=salmon]”I’d love to build mine close to yours! But… You, as a teacher? I don’t know why but it does fit quite well. Have you thought of wearing glasses?”[/color] The short goddess asked with a smirk. [color=salmon]”I know! I will probably turn my embassy into some kind of headquarters! I want to use my abilities to help mortals. Maybe I’ll help them forget or overwrite bad memories!”[/color]

[code]Glasses? Why? My optic devices  are perfectly functional…[/code] I’Iro looked helpless for a good and long moment from Astella’s joke. Which was good as it hid her similar feelings towards the concept of forgetting all bad memories. [code]A headquarters sounds good. I would suggest something modular that you can increase at will when you need to without major redesigns.[/code] crossing her hands behind her back, I’Iro started to move back the path they had come from, with Astella following right behind without missing a beat.

[color=salmon]”That is definitely the most logical approach. Lead me to those spots you mentioned and then we can get to work!”[/color] Astella said with a grin, her halo glowing a hot yellow. I’Iro nodded, yet her eyes stayed focused on the halo. She had not noticed it behaved like that before, it invoked a feeling mortals would describe as cuteness.

[center][b]IV[/b][/center]

The act of designing a location for the purpose I’Iro wanted needed her to be very sensitive, as she was dealing with finding the good middle between clashing concepts, she wanted a place that was separate from the busyness of the outside world but she did not want it to give off an alienating or caging aura, she wanted something practical yet not oppressively simplistic and angular. 

Sighing as she returned to the location she had set apart, she focused her hand, shaping and raising the earth with her divine will. A structure of intersecting curvy shapes started to form, to avoid a sense of hierarchy in the multi-story building the goddess made it so the roofs were covered in fertile earth and green vegetation. In fact that was the whole theme of the building, a controlled but not overly tamed garden overhead seemed to lead seamlessly into the more clean and minimal learning rooms and laboratories.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/iZHolqH.jpg[/img][/center]

To do the task of manutention and gardening the goddess took back her construction drones and refurbished the spiders into a proper shape. This was not to be a final solution, however, as Maydly had thought of her value in these simple tasks, however, for the moment, she needed a lot of work and had a severe lack of capable manpower. 

The goddess looked with a semblance of pride as the leisure plazas and classrooms were finished. In here mortals would be able to study the matters of the mind, self-control, oneirology, alien chemistry and to some extent magic, once I’Iro herself better understood the relationship between that and the mortal mind. Since she was already opening some space, however, she also had opened up some rooms for more experimental work. 

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/hu04aOAl.jpg[/img][/center]

She would still need a space for herself, however. As she did not intend to not claim any land in the outside world, she would probably need some sort of… home. It was hard to come up with concepts since she did lack even the mimicry of biological needs, but she managed to settle on a small “simple” building where she would likely spend any semblance of free time. She nested it near the education complex she had just conjured.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/rI15sd8.jpg?2[/img][/center]


[center][b]V[/b][/center]

After they split up, Astella had remained at her spot for a while, in deep thought regarding exactly what she wanted to do. In the end, after almost a whole day of thought, she figured out that the best way to start her venture would be to introduce (or re-introduce, who knows at this point?) the world to one of the most important technologies--The printing press. By finding out a way to automate the production and infusion of illusory texts, she would be able to reach the hearts of everyone who was capable of reading. This, combined with I’Iro’s plan to teach mortals, would ensure that at least most of the mortals in the City of the Gods would be able to enjoy the benefits of her abilities first-hand.

Her first order of business was to create the structure, however. Just as I’Iro had suggested, she made a simple, moderately-sized structure. It was a simple warehouse, with most of its space turned into workshops and two offices on the second floor.

[img]https://news.files.bbci.co.uk/include/extra/shorthand/assets/news/A2MFANtn3Z/assets/d8EFqqcMHb/lynn-l-2560x1440.jpeg[/img]

At first, she was doing it all by hand by herself, but eventually a few of the townspeople stumbled upon her construction site and offered to help. As such, by the end of the first month a sizable amount of young, strong humans had joined her in her project. They had made it clear that they expected nothing in return for their help, as they were honoured to be able to help her after years of Astella helping them. 

By the end of the second month, the construction was finished. As Astella hung up the sign above the entrance to the warehouse, the people cheered and everyone, including the goddess, threw their sweat-soaked hats up towards the sky and engaged in the biggest group hug the city had ever seen. After that, they all admired the building one last time before heading home for the day.

The Legacy of the group known as [i]Astellite Book Company[/i] started humble indeed. 

The next week, Astella had managed to recruit a good few of the people who’d helped her during construction into her actual project. She would offer them the best quality of illusions she could make in return for their daily labour, and when they were all gathered in the warehouse, Astella had I’Iro come by and teach them all how to actually set up and run a printing press (as well as reading, writing, and basic maths…).

[img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/20/c8/c5/20c8c51a24ac5a3e8f1456208381b6db.jpg[/img]

Thus, after another month of training, the Astellite Book Company was already working on its first prototypes.

[center][b]VI[/b][/center]

[code]Is this conical hat really necessary?[/code] I’Iro questioned as she adjusted the funny looking party hat on her head, some sort of tradition Astella insisted on. After concluding both of their projects the duo (Astella) decided to throw a little party. The party, as expected, was being held in Astella’s embassy (workshop), during the late hours of the night. 

[color=salmon]”They are! Definitely! One hundred percent!”[/color] Astella asserted, quickly rummaging through I’Iro’s Arctic Box. After a few moments, she cooed in delight and stood up to show I’Iro a smooth bottle filled with a light yellow coloured liquid. The liquid was a light yellow, fizzy, and small drops of water condensed on the outside of the bottle as soon as Astella pulled it out. [color=salmon]”Why? Cause we’re celebrating! Humans use hats like this when they celebrate the births of their loved ones, and I mean, our embassies were born at around the same time, right? They’re sisters, and this is their first official birthday party!”[/color]

I’Iro nodded. [code]I guess humans do show an extreme fondness of hats. Some could say it is excessive at times.[/code] She was at her own home at the moment, Astella and Snowy had been regulars at her place since she first showed it, particularly popular was the “Arctic Box” a device I’Iro had created to store chemical compounds that needed to stay in the cold, and had since been overtaken by all sorts of vials of drinks. 

[color=salmon]”They definitely do. Anyway, this,”[/color] Astella walked closer to I’Iro and handed her the bottle. [color=salmon]”Is something the Humans call [i]Lesser Ambrosia[/i]. I swear it isn’t fizzy urine, despite its colour. This is actually the first batch our people in this City have successfully produced, thanks to the Arctic Boxes. It’s really, really tasty and perfect for a celebration. So do me a favour and go get us some fancy glasses and a corkscrew!”[/color]

[code]Why would it be urine?[/code] I’Iro questioned in a lower voice before shaking her head, with Astella some things were better not questioned. The robotic goddess moved through her kitchen getting two long crystalline glass cups. Snowy meowed softly but I’Iro shook her head. [code]I am sorry little feline. These are not suitable for you. I promise I will serve you a glass of milk later.[/code] with that bit of diplomacy done she went back to the table where Astella was, only to find Astella already sitting at the table, halo glowing a bright yellow, and looking more like an excited child than a Goddess. She was tapping her heels against the ground and grinned at I’Iro as she walked in. After the robot goddess put the glasses down on the table, Astella perked up.

[color=salmon]”You know how to use a corkscrew right? Just screw it into the cork that’s sealing the bottle and then pull it. It might seem self-evident that that’s how it’s used, but I messed it up the first time.”[/color] She recounted with a small grimace. 

Tilting her head slightly, I’Iro picked up the tool and the bottle, looking them over. With a simple shrug she moved to uncork it, but didn’t fully account for the environment near her. With a loud pop the cork went flying at a high speed, hitting Astella’s pointy hat with awful precision and sending it across the house. [code]Ah...[/code]

Astella sat with her eyes wide open for a moment, then blinked a few times and stifled a chuckle, [color=salmon]”I mean, the hats [i]are[/i] kind of ridiculous I guess, so that was justified. Now c’mon, serve! We have to clink our glasses together after the drink’s served and then we drink it all in one swig. It’s how the humans do it.”[/color]
I’Iro also stood a good moment just staring, before nodding, serving the two glasses with perfectly equal amounts. [code]Humans are peculiar creatures. Next time I meet them I tell them to go easy on the lead plates and cutlery.[/code] she took her own glass and offered Astella the other, which the shorter goddess happily took as she stood up and walked up to I’Iro, holding her glass in front of her. 

[color=salmon]”Clink clink,”[/color] Astella muttered, swishing the liquid around inside her glass before clinking it gently against I’Iro’s. [color=salmon]”Aaah, there we go! Now drink!”[/color] She said and quickly downed her own glass.

I’Iro followed suit, even though she wasn’t used to drinking or eating. Her face was as deadpan as ever as she downed the whole glass at once, when she finished however she was softly smiling. [code]Fuwah. The bubbling felt funny in the throat. The taste is delicate and pleasant.[/code] she commented, placing a hand on her cheek.

Astella smirked, her halo changing into an orange hue, [color=salmon]”Oh~? I know of another thing that feels funny going down the throat, you know. The humans make that as well.”[/color]

I’Iro blinked a few times at that. [code]Oh. Is that so? I hear spicy food and some types of juices cause such feelings. I will ask them about that later. Culinary is a hard to understand but very enjoyable craft.[/code] I’Iro answered in total innocence, to which Astella couldn’t help but giggle in response, grabbing her friend’s hand and leading her to a couch rather than the table. There, Astella took charge of the bottle and served the both of them another glass. 

[color=salmon]”It is, isn’t it? The humans make a lot of tasty food here. Much better than the survivalist stuff I’ve seen other settlements make. So what’s your plan now? I mean, besides going into the market and asking for things that feel funny when they go down your throat.”[/color]

Swinging her head from side to side and shrugging, I’Iro had to think over the answer a bit. [code]First of all. There is the academy which I need to start teaching the mortals in. There are also the matters of magic. I have been thinking a lot about it since that meeting with the stone golem and what-is-his-name. The annoying person who belittled me. And in particular I have been analysing how the mind interacts with magical forces. I have this theoretical magical act. I call it Mimicry. Which is about creating copies of physical forces through magic… such as barriers and boxes and what-not.”[/code]

[color=salmon]”That guy’s name is Orynn. He told me when he came by to drop the humans off. And on Mimicry, well… You know, I was thinking of, sometime in the future, teaching some of my employees how to create illusions through magic. Obviously the illusions wouldn’t be real physical things, but if we mix them with Mimicry, maybe we could like, create a whole industry based on having your Mimicrians copy the structure of expensive furniture using like, basic construction paste, and then having my Illusionists come by and attaching illusions to the furniture so as to actually make them look and feel and smell like the original thing? I dunno. Sounds kinda complex, but it might work?”[/color] Astella shrugged and drank her second glass in one go as well, her body trembling slightly afterward.

[code]Oh right. Orynn. Yeah. I don’t know if I dislike that man or not. And your plan… sounds decent not gonna lie. I don’t know if the mortals will enjoy it but where is the harm in trying? That stuff seems like… uhh… around four hundred and fifty years in the future though. Right now mortals can’t do much magic beyond accidental magical sneezes that set their homes on fire. One of the reasons why I am opening the school. You know?[/code] I’Iro said, leaning against the couch and sipping more on the champagne.

[color=salmon]”I do!! I do know! Gosh, remember when I was building the Workshop with the humans? I swear, at least twice a day they would trip or sneeze or be possessed by a ghost and fall on top of me or be overtaken by urges to give me flowers or touch my arms! Huh... Now that I think about it, ghosts aren’t really magic, and a ghost that possesses someone just to hug you doesn’t seem so bad, and all that convenient falling over and dropping of water buckets on top of me seems a bit too mundane to be magical curses...”[/color]

[code]Hmm. Perhaps I should do some analysis on that. I can observe dreams after all. Maybe I could try to see what could be behind all this clumsy stuff…[/code] I’Iro focused at the window that oversaw the human village, squinting her eyes as she peeked into the dreams of mortals. Her eyes went wide after a little while. [code]Oh goodness. I guess those mortals are a bit… fond of you. Attracted…? Really explains why most of the sculptures in the workshops are images of a goddess wearing only her smile…[/code]

[color=salmon]”Well of course they’re fond of me! Most of them tell me I’m like a big sister, and you know, they tell me that it’s normal for siblings to bathe together, so it’s also normal to have naked sculptures of them since they’ve already seen everything.”[/color] Astella said with a sigh, [color=salmon]”So they’re clumsy because they actually need to take baths with me huh… I thought they were messing with me. I might have to do that tomorrow with them.”[/color]

If I’Iro could sweat she would have a single droplet going down right now as she tensed up. [code]Well uh… I would not recommend that… Because… uh… Well maybe you should take the day to see if you adapt well to riding Nalmepror? And also teaching me how to better look out for little Snowy.[/code] she nodded rapidly, good enough of an excuse. [code]After all. Won’t you be leaving pretty soon?[/code]

Astella nodded, [color=salmon]”True! That’s a good idea. I’ve already trained one of the guys enough that I’m sure he can take care of stuff at the Workshop while I’m gone, so I can take the day. You should also teach me some words of the language you talk to Namelpror in, in case I need to talk to him.”[/color] She said, her halo gently changing colour into dark brown.

I’Iro shook her head. [code]Oh Nalmepror speaks the common language alright. He pretends he does not because he is a sassy idiot. Also to get people whispering things around him thinking he won’t understand. That dragon does love gossip…[/code] I’Iro said and Astella giggled and leaned back against the couch much like I’Iro. The robot goddess’ focus changed between Astella and the fuzzy bubbles of the drink, until I’Iro rose the glass up so she could see Astella through the ambrosia glass. [code]I hope the villagers are not too grumpy when you leave…[/code]

[color=salmon]”Townspeople! And I don’t think they’ll be. They might be sad for a while, but once they get to know you, it’ll all be fine! I won’t be gone for too long anyway, maybe a year or so...”[/color] Astella trailed off, staring into her empty glass, until finally she put it on top of the coffee table and closed her eyes, [color=salmon]”Wanna sleep together tonight, Iro? Like sisters do. Um… Do you even sleep? Goddess of Dreams dreaming, wouldn’t that be wacky?”[/color]

I’Iro nodded emphatically. [code]Oh indeed! Wacky is a suitable word. But I could… uhm… lay there and close my eyes and put my mind on work on something like scanning or defragmentation. It does feel like all this ambrosia made my database a bit… fuzzy.[/code] I’Iro laughed softly. [code]Furthermore. I worry a bit that if only Snowy uses my bed she will soon think she owns the house and will kick me out.[/code]

Astella laughed quietly at that, snuggling up to I’Iro. [color=salmon]”She wouldn’t do that, she’s nice. She only pretends to be prim and proper and distant but deep down she’s just a kitten looking for attention. I will teach you all about caring for her tomorrow. For now, I’m knackered after a full work day, so let’s go to bed, yes? I’ll teach you what it feels like to sleep with someone next to you, maybe it’ll give you inspiration for your Dreams business.”[/color]

[hider=Summary]
After spending what felt like several years working on the construction of the City of the Gods, Astella spends even longer mingling with the humans and making sure everything is running smoothly. Time takes its toll on her, seeing humans grow older and have children while she herself doesn’t change. It makes her question her own existence. 

Finally, I’Iro returns to the City of the Gods and she meets up with Astella. They hang out a bit, then go off to make their embassies. Astella ends up being literally a warehouse turned workshop named “Astellite Book Company”. I’Iro builds a futuristic education and research facility as well as a little cozy home.

Some time after that, the two Goddesses meet up to celebrate. They drink a bottle of “Lesser Ambrosia” made by the humans of the City of the Gods and after chatting for a while, decide to share a bed PLATONICALLY as it’s the last night Astella will be spending in the City of the Gods before going out on a journey around the Shard.
[/hider]