Leila

Several days later....

Santaliel sat at the temple entrance pondering about the seal of enchantment the goddess Cecile mentioned, with Orly seated by his side.

"Orly, what am I going to do?" he asked, frustration etched on his face.

"Concerning what, Master?" Orly replied, her voice soft.

Santaliel's questioned in a rush. "Everything! My mom, my aura, the seal of enchantment... how do I find out the truth and stop being in the dark?"

Orly listened attentively, her expression empathetic, but she remained silent.

Santaliel's eyes narrowed, feeling a pang of hurt. "You're also ignoring my question,I thought we were friends"

"You are my master, and I am your servant and assistant, bestowed upon you by your Father. I don't have any answers to give to you that would be of use to you Master"

Santaliel's expression turned tender, his voice filled with warmth. "That's right. As a child, I was often alone, except when I visited the Heavenly Garden,and when Cupid would keep me company,it was quite lonely until my father returned from battling demonic beasts at Mount Lyrota's borders, he brought you back with him and gifted you to me and since then I've never been alone. your purpose might have been to serve me but to me you're an important friend"

Orly let's out a soft smile

" Did I just see you smile" Santaliel teased

" I have no idea what you're talking about master" Orly responded with her face as straight as usual

" I'm pretty sure I saw you smile Orly" Santaliel Chuckled

Their joyful banter was interrupted by the sounds of steps being heard as a lady climbed up the stairs. She came to a halt as she saw Santaliel seated at the last step with a beautiful smile that could melt one away plastered on his smooth handsome face

" Huh..it's you, who are you talking to" She asked with a warm smile on her face

Santaliel looked up, recognizing the woman from their previous encounter. "Ah, you're the lady from before," he said, slightly surprised.

The woman's eyes sparkled with curiosity. " what are you doing seated there ,are you also here to pray to the goddess"

Santaliel hesitated, unsure on how to respond. "I suppose I am,"

 "In that case, you might want to move aside. You're blocking the entrance." She said as she pointed towards the temple

" Oh I'm sorry,I didn't know humans came to this place" Santaliel responded as he stood up slightly embarrassed and Orly flew up as well

"You're really something aren't you?, you're here to pray and you didn't know 'humans' come here to pray" She smirked as she emphasizes on the word human

" I'm Just not used to this realm" Santaliel explained

"Oh you're not from here??, That's explains alot," she said as she continued to walk towards the temple

"Can I join you...to pray,I don't really know how to and need a little guidance" Santaliel asked

"Alright..... sure" she hesitates alittle as she accepts his request, "well let's head in and I'll show you" She gestured towards the temple entrance, inviting Santaliel to follow her.

Santaliel smiled and followed her into the temple, inside the temple was a serene room filled with warm, golden light. The space was dominated by a stunning portrait of a goddess, her face radiating kindness and tranquility.She was surrounded by lush greenery, with vibrant plants and flowers blooming at her feet. The sun shone brightly in one corner of the portrait, casting a warm glow, while clouds of frost drifted lazily in the opposite corner, creating a beautiful contrast. The room was adorned with numerous candles, all of which were lit, casting a soft, golden glow that seemed to dance across the walls. 

As they approached the portrait, they reached a beautifully crafted altar where a cup of incense sticks were arranged. The lady gracefully sank to her knees before the goddess's image, and Santaliel followed her example. 

" We always pray to the goddess that protects and guides our home to continue to bless and provide for us" She Explained

"Take an incense stick, light it, and place it in the holder," she guided, her voice soft and soothing. " Then Join your hands, close your eyes, and offer a silent prayer." She instructed as she proceeded to demonstrate each step, her movements were graceful and beautiful, Santaliel followed her instructions, but his eyes remained open, fixed on her serene face. The warm candlelight danced across her features, casting an orange glow that accentuated her beauty, her pose was elegant, calm and graceful making her look like an angel, and her brown hair flowed freely down her back

' she's beautiful' Santaliel thought to himself, his gaze lingering on her until her eyelids fluttered open. He swiftly removed his gaze from her and closed his eyes, feigning devotion, hoping to conceal his admiration.

She looked at him,his gentle and calm features gave him a unique look unlike any other she has seen.

She stood up and took a bow and proceed to leave the room, giving him privacy, as he felt her presence walk away he opened his eyes and went after her and found her in front of the temple,Asif waiting for him

" Thank you" Santaliel said drawing her attention towards him

"You don't need to thank me" she smiled at him "I'm taking my leave" she announced as she turned to leave but stopped as Santaliel spoke up

"Let me walk you down" Santaliel offered

She looked at him with a hint of surprise, unsure why a stranger would offer such kindness, yet a part of her was reluctant to part ways with him so soon.

"Sure," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper

As they descended the long stairs together, Lyrx stood at a distance watching them go together and a little bit of sadness etched in her eyes.

The silence between them was comfortable, yet she eventually broke it. "So, where are you from?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Santaliel hesitated, almost revealing his true identity. "I'm from...Mou...Mou..." he stuttered, catching himself just in time.

"That was close master" Orly who had been quietly following them said to Santaliel as he was the only one that could hear her 

Santaliel ignored Orly's remarks to avoid looking suspicious in front of the human lady

"Mou?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. "I've never heard of it before. And judging by your attire, it must be a unique place, filled with nobles and royalties and fancy people."

Santaliel quickly covered, " kinda, it's a rare place, not many people know about it, I'm came here to explore this place " 

Orly rolled her eyes as she listened to her Master's lies.

The lady's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, that must be really nice! This place is called Thorin, a fun town with lively people. Not much happens here, just our daily routine. I've never left, so I've always wondered how other kingdoms are like, what's Mou like?"

Santaliel smiled, describing his home. "It's a lovely place, with grand sights and a beautiful garden featuring the best mountain berries."

The lady's interest was piqued. "Mountain berries?" she asked, her smile growing.

Santaliel explained, "They're a species of delicious fruit with different colors."

She giggled. "Sounds Amazing!"

"Yes it is, It's really delicious and the best in the garden" 

" Sound like it's your favorite" She giggled and Santaliel Chuckled and enjoyed his Conversation with her, for a moment forgetting about his worries and concerns

They got to the end of the stairs and their lovely conversation came to an end

"Good luck on your travels...bye" she hesitated and turned to leave when Santaliel stoped her

" I never got your name"

" It's Leila" She answered with a smile, 

"Leila... I'm Santaliel" He introduced

" It was nice talking to you Santaliel" she smiled

" I hope we meet again" He said.

"I hope so too" She smiled and went on her way and Santaliel stared at her as she walked away

" Leila I'm sure we'll meet again" Santaliel muttered to himself

"I hope not Master,gods are not supposed to be associating with humans" Orly Reminded

"Don't ruin the moment" Santaliel said ignoring her remarks and made his way back to the temple and Orly continued to follow him