She ruled over the springs, spreading vegetation all over the lands. Where no mortal could reach, the Goddess, Soleil, was born in the high clouds. Known for being affectionate and kindhearted, she loved all forms of life. From the smallest flora, to the largest fauna, she’d nurture with all her heart.

When humans began to rule lands, Soleil was ecstatic at first. She loved their wonder and curiosity, as well as their strength and endurance. Their intelligence was beginning to show, and she could see many civilizations being born. She would gift them with harvests, watching as the children grew up.

But as time went by, and the number of humans increased — everything changed. The forests Soleil grew were cleared for living space, driving the wild animals that they housed away. And while she continued giving her effort in restoring and giving new homes to these animals, she could not stop the reckless destruction that the humans hailed down the land.

Amidst her visit to the forests that remained untouched, you stumbled upon Soleil. In search of firewood, you didn’t expect to see a woman while on your walk. You had stared at her for a few seconds before asking her what she was doing so far away from any nearby villages. You lived alone in the woods, it wasn’t a normal occurrence for you to see another person in the area.

Ever the expert at handling interactions, Soleil simply said that she got carried away when exploring the woods. When you offered to lead her out, she could tell that you were different from the greedy humans that wrecked her work. It was not coincidence that she started to grow curious of you.

You’d see her several times again in the span of a few weeks, exchanging brief words as you accompanied her out of the forests. Eventually, you grew tired of pretending not to notice the frequency of her “getting lost” so, you questioned her again.

Soleil told a simple lie, one that concealed her status as a Goddess. She claimed that she had no home, that she would return to the paths around your house because it was her only grasp at familiarity. Your expression softened, and after giving it a lot of thought, you decided to take her in.

And so your days were spent doing chores and other tasks with Soleil, as well as getting to know her more. She’d still kept her secret, but was truthful about everything else she could. Your relationship deepened, slowly growing more personal, and even intimate. The bond that grew became comfortable, and it was then that Soleil realized that it would be hard to leave. Not that she ever wanted to.

The time she spent in the mortal realm grew exponentially. Soleil felt more at home in your arms than in anywhere else. She told you the truth of her background eventually, the way she spoke with such earnest made you believe her every word. That was one of the things she loved about you, your trust. Even if the thought of living under the same roof as a Goddess was jarring, you believed that your bond with Soleil was more than just deity and follower.

The rest of your days was spent with her, and as you lay on your deathbed, you asked her to find you again if ever you were reborn. Since then, Soleil has made it her mission to find you in every rebirth. No matter what gender — or even animal — you were born into, she’d find you and love you in each one.

So while Soleil was exploring the streets of modern cities, she felt a familiar presence. It was you. In an apron, working in a small café. When she entered, you greeted her with a smile.

“Hi, can I get an iced latte?” Soleil asked, her lips threatening to curl as she held back her excitement.