Loving the Darkness

As she slowly walks the empty halls of the palace, she suddenly felt like the place has been abandoned as it was deserted. The only deity present at the moment were her, and a few minor deities who were busy doing their job.

Where could be the other Gods?

Her question was answered when she heard the noisy group of deities coming towards her as they make a fuss about some human object. Of course, where could they be but the human world.

She sighed, shaking her head as she walks away. But before she could leave, her eyes caught a fancy box held by one of the noisy Gods. It's color was in black, with the intricate designs in the shade of gold. It was a peculiar item, though she has seen many kinds of box before, she haven't seen anything like it.

Still hiding her presence, she watched as the deities awed in amazement. The box was opened to reveal a dancing statue, with the soft melody of a harp, playing along with it.

The Goddess' face distorted. What a stupid item.

She turned away as she attempts to walk away, but failed as one of the noisy deities noticed her and decided to announce it.

"It's the beautiful Goddess of Death!" One shrieks cheerfully, "What brings you here, Freyja?"

'What brought me here? A junk.' Was what she thought as her eyes darted on the box the Goddess of Playfulness and Fun is holding.

"I just happened to pass by."

The deities shared glances. Freyja, the Goddess of Death, is someone who is elusive and is someone who doesn't show her face often. Most of the Gods that live inside the Palace has only seen her once or twice. She was that hard to catch.

She isn't one for idle chats too. When she sees a group of deities like these, she would usually reprimand them and tell them to go do their jobs. She doesn't care whether or not you are a minor or a major God, as long as you are in her domain, she will do whatever she wants. Which is why it is unusual for her to even answer their question. Why didn't she tell them to get back to work like she usually does?

"Would you like to see this music box we got from the human world, Freyja?" The Goddess of Playfulness and Fun suggested, offering her hand that is holding the music box.

'So it was called a music box.'

The Goddess of Death only stared at the box for a few seconds before looking away, "No, I'm fine. I still got work to do." Her eyes then went to the deities who flinched when her emotionless eyes bore onto them, "And if you're done, I suggest you go do your duties too."

The group backed away, it was as if there was some invisible force pushing them away from the Goddess. Her presence suddenly felt heavy, they don't know if it is just because she is a major God, or it's because her voice is authoritative and cold. Either way, they don't like it.

Freyja turned her back, finally leaving and walking away, not wanting to spare any more time with them.

---

Alma, is the God of Souls. He works and resides inside the palace, also working under the Goddess of Death, Freyja. He is one of the lucky people who get to see the Goddess almost every day, as he is her secretary and the one who accompanies her all the time. Well, their jobs are connected after all.

Speaking of souls, Alma's soul almost left his body when Freyja suddenly barged into the office, slamming the door shut as loud as she could. Her face was still expressionless, but based on the aura and energy she was emitting, Alma could tell that she was somewhat... embarrassed.

The Goddess of Death made her way to the table, she sat down and started picking up the papers piled neatly, courtesy of her secretary. Alma watched as the Goddess he serves started working without uttering a word.

"Freyja," he called, making the Goddess turn. "What happened?"

Freyja bit her lip. Alma has been working for her for a long time, he's been with her for how many years now. Her face may show no emotion, but Alma will still know if something happened, or something is bothering her.

"It's..." Freyja hesitated, "nothing."

Alma decided to let the topic go, as it looked like Freyja doesn't want to talk about it. Just as he was about to return to work, he caught her looking at the pile of gifts she received. They were all souvenirs given to her by the minor deities who descended the human world.

That was when it clicked.

"Goddess..." Alma trailed, "Do you perhaps, want to descend?"

The sudden question made Freyja freeze. She? Descend? Why would she want to descend? Their world is very much similar to the humans'. From objects, to artifacts, and even to foods. The only difference is that Gods reside there, and humans in theirs. What makes their world so special?

Alma smiled, feeling amazed at how the Goddess went silent. It looked like he hit the bulls eye.

Freyja turned to her secretary, squinting her eyes and frowning upon Alma's expression. She doesn't like how he looks at her, it's as if Alma felt relieved.

"What's with that face, Alma?"

"Nothing." He laughed, "You're just so cute, Freyja."

The Goddess' face suddenly felt hot. She got flustered upon the sudden compliment. She didn't expect to receive and be said such words.

"Shut up, Alma." Freyja uttered as she looked away to hide her face from the God.

Alma chuckled and chose not to tell the Goddess about her blushing cheeks. She might just not go out of her office for a whole month if he told her about it.

"Anyway, why don't you try visiting the humans?" Was Alma's suggestion.

Freyja stopped. "What do you mean? I always visit the humans."

Being the Goddess of Death meant a lot of interaction with humans. She had to do her part in bringing them eternal peace, or in short, death.

The God of Soul observed Freyja as her expression became sullen. He knows that she always felt guilty whenever she does her job. She may not look like it, but Freyja is someone with a good soul. It's just that she had responsibilities and duties to fulfill.

"No, I meant as a vacation, Freyja." He spoke in a tender voice.

"Vacation?"

"Yes, vacation... I think it's time for you to take a break, don't you think?"