Theodulf and Baldwulf headed up through the mountains. Weeks of a lack of sleep, food, and any sort of drink had left them incredibly tired and hungry. Up ahead they saw the flickering lights of civilization in the distance. 
"By the gods, we made it! Maybe here we can marr-"

He soon collapsed to the ground as Baldwulf picked up his body, carrying it to the walls of the city ahead.

Calanthe was lonely, she was lonely in the sense that one moment she was the bard of a god. One moment she had love at her fingertips and he did care for her. The next moment the Basalt temple was crumbling around her and she was lost. Brynn was gone, mortal again and just gone. The ashes of the once great palace had been around her and she was at a loss for words. Her mother arrived as if… she had known for a long time it was going to happen.

“Brynn wasn’t strong enough. It happens often.” The words seemed cruel but they served a purpose to Calanthe. Power wasn’t all that it was made out to be. Even someone like Brynn could fall without word or emotion. The world would move on and he would be but  a stain on the page of life.

She went home with her mother and mourned in a way that left the goddess without words for her. Angela had refused her request to find Brynn. Maybe it was because Brynn was gone and Angela did not wish to tell Calanthe that. Maybe it was because Brynn was the undead and there was no life with him outside of him being a god. That was cruel.

Eventually, Calanthe moved from her spot. She had lost weight from her mourning and she had lost what color she had in her skin. The weight of a broken heart spoke words to her. Angela began to nurse her daughter back to health and while they had no words for each other, Calanthe realized that there was no reason to speak. Her mother was the Mother. Her mother was the whole definition of what a good mother was and there was a good reason why her mother did the things she did. Did it ease her suffering? No, but it made her wake up. A good daughter would not make her mother suffer as she had been doing.

She resumed her violin playing, her flute playing, or anything else that could fill her time. The day came to test her resolve and she found herself shaking as her frail body stepped foot out of the rose gate and into the Highlands for the first time since Brynn’s untimely falling. Her red hair was long and wild, it looked like flowing fire in the breeze that made the Highlands home.

She clutched her bag and went deeper into the lands. This place was every bit as home as the Sundering Gardens were. She reached a city not too far from the gates when she spotted a man collapsing. The Highlands had seen stuff like this too often so she made her way over. “Is your friend alright? There must be a way for me to help.”

"We've had a long journey. We need a place to rest, some food, and some water. Do you know where we could find an inn nearby?"

Tilting her head the redhead nodded and looked towards the city. “That might be a good place to go but I’m not so sure he can make it that far.” She had seen travelers like them before but a while longer couldn’t hurt. “These cities can be harsh. If you wish we could rest here. If you need food and water I can provide. Shelter is another thing all together. I’m not so sure we would find a room so late.”

She took out what appeared to be a swirled small twig. It had a faint glow to it and she nodded to Theodulf. “My name is Calanthe, I’m a traveling bard. Sorry to say I don’t have many connections in this particular city.” She twirled the small twig in her hand as if it was the strongest thing in the woman’s possession. “We can go and find a room, food and water on the other hand is on me. No need to even pay for it.”

It took a long time to reach the gate and she had to be honest with herself, she didn’t think they would let her in. They found a shabby little inn close to the entrance and she got them a room. She bartered for it like the best gambler would. She referenced the twig several times and what it came down to was a simple coin toss. With a sigh, Calanthe won the bet and she nodded to the men. “We got a room. Afraid I wasn’t planning on spending the night in an inn.” She chuckled a bit.

Once up in the room, she tapped the twig on the dresser. Food began to materialize with wine. It was a full course. She took a big sigh and smiled. “This is the best enchanted item ever. We best wake your friend up so he can get some food in him. I can look at you both later if you wish… if you need healing I might know a person who can help.”

"Any help would be appreciated. Thank you again." Theodulf said as he began to eat. He gently nudged Baldwulf, kissing him gently to wake him up. "Come on, love, the kind lady here has provided us with some food and water." He woke up and started to eat.

"We were forced out from Adeluna by my father. He found out that we had fallen in love and, well, the rest is quite visible in front of you." Theowulf said. He turned and whispered into the woman's ear, "I have wanted to just marry him so badly. He would be a wonderful husband and father to any children we may want to raise. If only my father could see that." Theowulf sighed.

Calanthe listened to their story and nodded. “Many are not receptive of a relationship like yours. It is very terrible even in a welcoming world like Revaliir. Parents, for the most part want their children to do what they couldn’t, which is wrong. My own father didn’t want me but for other reasons when it comes to Highland traditions.” She gave a smile as she made sure the man’s lover was alright.

“My mother is a really good healer. I could call her here if you really need it. Though I’m not so sure how everyone else will take it.” Having a goddess just stroll into your town could be one hell of a parade. 

She took some of the food herself and worked on it. “I ran away from the highlands. I lost my love and I don’t know where he went or if he’s even still alive.” Was he ever alive? She gritted her teeth and stared at the two of them for a moment. “I’m from up north from Arri but I was raised in the Sundering Gardens, the realm of the goddess known as the Mother.”

"I think any help we could receive would be appreciated. If you wouldn't mind trying to find your mother that would be great." He whispered in her ear, "Would I be allowed to marry him here? Or would we be arrested for it?"

Calanthe took a moment to tilt her head. “I don’t know about that but I do know that my mother would probably marry the two of you if you wished it.” Getting up, she wondered if calling on her mother now was a good thing. Was Angela angry with her? Would she be so willing to help two strangers that her daughter had just met. The woman closed her eyes and took a breath. Maybe… if she pleaded with the stars?

She got down on her knees and held her hands tightly as she prayed. “Mother, if you can hear this… I’m sorry for being distant. I’m sorry for not being as strong as you  can be.” Her voice hesitated. “Mother who grows the earth and breathes life into every tiny crevice… grant my wish for an audience.”

The air was thick for a moment as the goddess seemingly stepped into the room from an invisible door. Her red hair was so much longer than that of her daughters. Gems and pearls littered her hair and green eyes stared at the people before her. “You plead for me yet you haven’t stated what you want.” 

Calanthe caught her breathe and dropped down. “Mother, please. Are you angry with me?”

“No, I’m confused with you Daughter. I’m at a loss of words for you. But– I will listen to the wishes of these people since that is why you have called me.” The goddess’s green eyes stared at the men. “I’m a busy woman.”

Theodulf slowly spoke, stuttering from having just seen a goddess walk into the same room as them. "We were forced out from Adeluna by my father. He found out that we had fallen in love and that's when he made us leave. We arrived here but I blacked out and woke up outside the city. I have wanted to just marry him so badly. He would be a wonderful husband and father to any children we may want to raise. If only my father could see that. Would you be willing to marry us?" 

Angela stalked the room with ease up and down as she moved her green eyes from person to person. She was pondering it and the way she was going about it made Calanthe shiver. Was her mother going to deny these people?

“People tend to be afraid of things they don’t understand. They hide behind violence.” Angela’s words were quick and quiet as she moved to the window and looked out of it. “Calanthe’s own father was scared of her existence. The people here in the Highlands are spooked creatures. What to do with what you have told me though… I owe you nothing. You cannot give something and get something in return.”

Calanthe was about to yell at her mother for being cruel with the goddess brought up her hand and shushed the girl. “That being said, I am no cruel woman. I would be willing to help two lovers who have escaped in the night. For the price of a favor in the future I would marry you. For prices in the future I could even make children for you. A god must have payment that matches what I can give you. If I did everything for free I would have too many people in my temple wanting unreasonable favors. Do not hate me for my words. I do not require payment now. In the future, I may call on you. Though if you call on me first for children I may take the time to find a task worthy of your request. If you accept, I shall marry you on this cold night.”