Aenna and Leander were spectacular up close, their presence radiating an aura of elegance and serenity that was almost palpable. They embodied a divine holiness distinct from the warrior valor of her own parents. Where her family thrived on strength and aggression, Aenna and Leander represented the epitome of gentle, forgiving faith. Ariadna couldn't help but be drawn to their tranquil ways.
"Greetings, Lady Ariadna," Aenna said, her voice soft yet resonant. "Congratulations on stepping into the holy family. We hold great expectations for you."
Ariadna maintained a firm expression as she replied, "I am sure that, in time, I will achieve great things," she added, her tone laced with an edge, "but I'm not certain you will approve of them."
Castor looked surprised at her audaciousness, but Leander interjected, his voice imbued with warmth. "Our Gods know how to maintain balance. If your actions are guided by your God's will, you can do no wrong. There is only forgiveness."
Ariadna regarded them with a scrutinizing eye, recognizing the same zeal that characterized her own family. She cast a knowing glance at Castor, who was doing his best to project the piousness of his parents. He met her gaze and she falt a strange feeling - kinship. Seizing the opportunity, she ventured, "My lady, my lord, since your time is precious, may I borrow the heir of your family for a moment? I have an interest in your teachings, particularly since our gods represent such contrasting ideals."
Aenna's smile was as gentle as a spring breeze as she nudged Castor forward. "Go, my little dove. You will soon realize that nothing is truly opposite; we are all part of a grand whole, woven into the balance of existence. We are merely vessels of the Gods' will."
Castor nodded solemnly. "Do not worry, Mother. I shall educate her on our ways," he declared, a note of pride threading through his voice. His parents nodded approvingly before stepping away, leaving the two of them.
Once alone, Castor turned to Ariadna, his demeanor shifting to a more serious tone. "Let's find a more suitable place to discuss our Gods' ways," he suggested, leading her to a quiet balcony that overlooked the garden's serene beauty.
As they settled into the solitude of the balcony, Castor's expression morphed back into the haughty, spirited facade she had encountered in the garden. "What do you want?" he asked, a mixture of curiosity and annoyance in his voice.
"I want to know about you," Ariadna replied candidly. "Why do you not… express your true self? And why do you seem to harbor such animosity toward me?"
He stared at her, taken aback. "Goddess, I never expected an heir of the God of Destruction to pose such a question." His expression twisted with rage. "I loathe your God and your domain. You—well, not you specifically, but you are an extension of them. As for the hatred… I don't know; I shouldn't even be able to feel such an emotion."
He turned his gaze to the balcony's edge, contemplating his words. "This is as much as I am willing to share."
Ariadna nodded slowly. "Thank you. If it changes anything, I also harbor hatred for them."
"Seriously? You hate your own family?" he asked, genuine surprise etching his features.
Ariadna smirked knowingly. "Don't you hate yours, too?"
His silence spoke volumes, confirming her suspicions. "Well, I'll go first," he finally said, preparing to leave. "I suppose we'll meet again."
As he walked away, Ariadna lingered on the empty terrace, reflecting on the exchange. "That went rather well," she mused to herself.