The Muse - Redo
One day an old man was walking through an orchard, when he was greeted by three of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen. The women informed him that he would be the judge of their contest and would have to determine who was the most beautiful among them. The man observed the women; in the first he saw wisdom in her eyes, a lovely shape and exotic silver hair; in the second, he saw deliciously curving hips, a firm breast and full lips; the third had gently curled hair, flawlessly soft skin and deep passionate eyes.
The old man told the women, "My ladies, there is no way for me to choose. You task me with the impossible."
The first woman promised him endless wisdom and intelligence, the second promised him wealth and power, and the third promised him youth and more women than he could dream of.
The old man considered and for a long moment, he could not decide.
Then he saw his wife walk by and give him a quizzical look. He observed crow's feet around her quiet eyes that had come from years of laughter; her wrinkles that had come from years of struggles and hardships; her round, imperfect form that had been distorted from years of savory meals together and children they had raised together.
And joy flooded his heart.
The old man sighed and said, "I've never been a particularly wise man, nor have I ever been all that smart. So I don't desire it. I've made it this far in life to have enough wealth to live and I've never had much power, so I don't need it. And I am far too old to desire youth.
"But I have decided who the most beautiful is... my wife."
The three women were shocked to see this man choose such an inferior woman. The forms of the women changed into those of the Crone, the Mother and Maiden. They allowed the old man a moment to regret his decision and then vanished.
The old man went to his wife and they embraced.
A nearby woman smiled wryly. Knowing she had beaten the goddesses at their own game, the First Love ascended to godhood.
The old man told the women, "My ladies, there is no way for me to choose. You task me with the impossible."
The first woman promised him endless wisdom and intelligence, the second promised him wealth and power, and the third promised him youth and more women than he could dream of.
The old man considered and for a long moment, he could not decide.
Then he saw his wife walk by and give him a quizzical look. He observed crow's feet around her quiet eyes that had come from years of laughter; her wrinkles that had come from years of struggles and hardships; her round, imperfect form that had been distorted from years of savory meals together and children they had raised together.
And joy flooded his heart.
The old man sighed and said, "I've never been a particularly wise man, nor have I ever been all that smart. So I don't desire it. I've made it this far in life to have enough wealth to live and I've never had much power, so I don't need it. And I am far too old to desire youth.
"But I have decided who the most beautiful is... my wife."
The three women were shocked to see this man choose such an inferior woman. The forms of the women changed into those of the Crone, the Mother and Maiden. They allowed the old man a moment to regret his decision and then vanished.
The old man went to his wife and they embraced.
A nearby woman smiled wryly. Knowing she had beaten the goddesses at their own game, the First Love ascended to godhood.
Divine Domains
The First Love is the Goddess of Love, Beauty, Marriage and Passion.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Hearts and symbols of infinity are common. The number 2 is considered sacred.
Tenets of Faith
The First Love teaches embracing one's passions. If one is to love, then love deeply. If one is to hate, hate with a fire. They believe the denial of passion is a fate worse than death. The only true sin of the Embrace is impeding another’s life. So, while violence is common in passion, harming another is distasteful and considered a violation of the First Love. The only exception is the friendly gladiator pits the Embrace occasionally sponsors. Marriage and sex are considered holy, festive affairs.
Holidays
Marriages are considered highly festive affairs.
Divine Classification
Goddess
Religions
Realm
Children
- Love is the Best Thing We Do
- We Must Learn to Love and to Be Loved
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