The marketplace was ultimately a melting pot of cultures, with beings from all corners of the continent, or at least those not affected by the brewing war, converging to trade goods and stories. Haggling was an art form here, with sellers employing charms and illusions to try to persuade buyers, and buyers utilising their wit and common sense not to be enticed by the suggestive language and tricks of the sellers.
As the sun was beginning to set, the market seemed to take on a new enchantment, with the stalls illuminated by the soft glow of firelights and the night sky filled with floating lanterns. The Bazaar was not just a marketplace; itwas a magical spectacle that captivated the imagination and left visitors with memories of a truly fantastical experience.
But Leander was here with purpose. He wished he could just look around in wonder, as he always did.
Of all Saeren’s delights, this was one of his favourites and he loved it most at night, sometimes before his patronage at a tavern, and sometimes after, when he was intoxicated enough to imagine sparkling fairies instead of floating firelights.
“I knew you would be here today, but I did not expect it to be this early.”
Leander knew that voice. He tore his attention away from the frying pan of spicy street food to look behind at the speaker. “Good evening, Taskevi.”
The very air around Taskevi echoed with a gentle hum of the euphony of nature, and vibrant colours danced in the air like an ever-changing tapestry. The Bazaar reminded Leander very much of the celestial court where he used to reside with his mother, and Taskevi, and the rest of his immortal kin. It was fitting, then, that Taskevi would deign to meet him here.
Leander approached Taskevi, whose presence radiated tranquillity and the essence of life itself. The air seemed to shimmer as the two divine beings acknowledged each other’s presence.
When Taskevi spoke, her voice was like the rustling of leaves in a calm breeze. “Your presence in this world is now a common sight, but it is like you do not quite... fit. Still. Why is that I wonder?”
Leander had a sly grin playing on his lips as he replied. “It would be remiss of me to not take full advantage of the wonders Saeren has to offer while I am here. Even if I know in my heart that all is not as it seems in this realm.”
The goddess raised an eyebrow, a subtle curiosity in her gaze. “What do you mean, Leander? You told King Caisa of the beauty you found in the Bazaar. Is that not why you come here night after night?”
“You know why I come here, Taskevi, and it’s not for the Bazaar’s beauty and wonder.” Leander said as he laughed softly, a sound like distant whispers of deceit. “Besides, is it not true that even the most captivating of flowers conceal thorns along their stems, beneath their petals? There is danger in the most beautiful of treasures of this world, and people should always be wary of that which sings to their very soul. I am the God of Lies?—”
“Not now, you’re not.”
“—and I see the truths veiled by the beauty you weave.”
Taskevi regarded him with no small amount of concern. “Leander, your perspective, it seems, is tainted. Something dark has slithered its way into your heart, twisting your view of the world. Lies disrupt the harmony of existence. It would be unfair to say that a thorn hidden beneath a flower’s petals is created out of deceit, for everyone knows it is there, and they are to blame if they are pricked by it.”
The fallen demigod took a step forward, his eyes gleaming with something not far off utter resentment and betrayal. “Is it not a lie to claim that nature is purely benevolent, then? Hurricanes, earthquakes, the cycle of life that you and my mother weave in tandem with each other… that involves both birth and death. Think of the destructive forces at your disposal, and you have the nerve to call me dangerous.”
Sighing, Taskevi shook her head. A gentle breeze accompanied her as she began to walk beside Leander through the cobbled paths of the Bazaar.
People, recognising the goddess’ presence, reached out to her, whispering, “Myracle, your blessings please,” and other such libations.
She touched them each in turn with a serene smile as she continued to speak to Leander. “Nature is utterly complex and there is beauty in the chaos, and even the storms your mother brings serve a purpose, bringing a chance for life in the wake of destruction. But any immortal domain, Leander, when left unchecked by those sworn to oversee something so volatile, is a force that disrupts this delicate balance we gods are tasked with maintaining. It is a poison that corrodes the very essence of what it is to exist in both Estalian and Cariun. And it is not because they are lies, but because the demigod charged with overseeing them has become corrupted himself… somehow.”
The demigod barely managed a smile, because he knew in his heart there was no arguing with the goddess who sentenced him to this living hell. Even without his divine gifts, Leander suddenly became aware of the weight of deception, which lingered in Cariun as it had done as well in Estalian.
A woman with her swaddled infant wrapped in her arms presented herself pleadingly to Taskevi, who blessed the babe with a kiss.
Tentatively, Leander began to speak again. “Taskevi, Iam grateful you have sought me out in the Bazaar this evening. I have been the God of Lies for only a fleeting time in your eyes, but even so the burden of my deceitful actions weighs on me. I seek redemption for my crime, as you have decreed I must in being sent here to Cariun. I am ready now. Please, you must have come to me for a reason, and I pray that reason is to offer guidance.”
Taskevi had been examining an interesting blue-petaled flower in a wicker basket which had purple filaments and anthers. It was rather striking, Leander could admit, though he still worked hard to keep his anger in check that her attention had drifted away from him.
She looked up to meet his watchful gaze, regarding him with dark eyes as if she were measuring his worth right there and then. “Your statement surprises me, Leander. You’ve spent your recent months with no consideration or remorse for the damage your lie inflicted when told without care. What makes you seek redemption now?”
With true sincerity, Leander looked down, abashed. He was keenly aware that other shoppers were pretending to go about their business but surreptitiously got closer and closer, as if their accidental brushes against the goddess would bring them good fortune.
“I want to mend, the wrongs I have committed. I’ve seen the beauty of your creations”—he picked up one of the blue flowers and brought it to his nose to smell, making his point clear—“and I believe there is a way for me to contribute positively to this world.” Leander finally said, “This lie… I see the damage it has wrought in its wake. This cannot go on; this cannot be my legacy. Vyrica does not deserve war through my misdeeds.”
“But you are, and will forever be, the God of Lies, Leander,” Taskevi said after a long pause. “I think you yourself said that lies in and of themselves are not evil, nor are the people who tell them. Are you saying you feel differently about your domain of lies, child? Do you not want your gifts restored to you?”
“No. Yes. I mean… I now know that I have a duty. I understand now the weight of my responsibilities as a god, and the burden that rests on my shoulders.... the destructive nature of both truth and lies. I would be more vigilant, cautious.”
Taskevi considered the demigod’s words. “The road to redemption is not an easy one, Leander. It requires genuine remorse and a commitment to change. Tell me, why do you think you deserve forgiveness from the Nine? Or the rest of those in Estalian? Or even those in Cariun, for that matter?”
“I have caused pain and suffering with my lies, and I understand the gravity of my actions. More than just Prince Jarryn have been hurt by my lie. I want to use my domain and abilities for good, to bring forth truth and harmony instead of this discord, this… chaos and suffering.”
