Greenleaf

By BaghDze


once a loyal, unquestioning follower of aphrodite; he fell in love with her beauty, divinity, and strength. every fruit of the young coatl's labor was lovingly offered to the goddess, with promises of more and apologies that it wasn't enough to show the true depth of his adoration. his fealty was unwavering - he did not tolerate the questioning of her leadership, nor did he allow others to step out of line in his presence. if another dragon was seen trying to keep an especially shiny ore to themselves, he would spill blood to get it for his queen.

so strong was his fealty, that she eventually took notice - they began to court in secret. the coatl felt as if she finally understood the lengths he was willing to go to prove he saw no one else but her. in a moment of respite, the goddess told him the truth she had come to understand in recent months. she is weakening by the day, and eventually, the fire inside would consume what was left of her. the death would be slow and agonizing, but she could not reveal to her followers that the body she possessed was mortal. he became the only other dragon alive who knew the truth.

together, they concocted a story to put the worries of the others to rest... and perhaps their own. a story of the goddess's future 'death', and eventual rebirth - a time in which she would leave her people to a chosen successor, and disappear for a time. like a phoenix, her body, too weak for her growing power, would turn to ash. and from it, she would rise anew. her power would be greater, as would the rewards of those most loyal to her. this story was unveiled at a ceremony, as was the announcement of ? as the future ruler of the lands during her time of renewal. the other's began to see him as something of a demi-god prince, chosen by the goddess herself to protect them in her stead.

in time, the coatl grew equally as greedy and prideful as the goddess herself. what was once a fierce, albeit misguided loyalty, has devolved into an obsession as deep as her own with selfish fulfilment. while the two continue to court, as well as discuss more serious matters of leadership, his loyalties have changed significantly. he has assured his place as future god of these deluded followers, and has seen the praise, riches, and power this role brings. he anticipates her passing, so that he may inherit everything. he loves her, but he loves himself more.