The smell of sacrifice filled the air. Blood. Burnt offerings. Incense. In an flash of light, a creature, not quite human, appeared before Orual.
"I have been silent witness to your actions, child. Your life has been filled with blessing, and yet you curse the ones who provide you with sustenance. You will not find mercy with me, Orual. I have seen the once wicked actions of your sister--how she bewitched my son with her mortal charm. And you--thinking to do good, had only wounded Eros more. I cannot understand his affection for a creature so imperfect, yet while Psyche's actions remain as a consequence of her nature, yours, Orual, are more nefarious and hate-filled. Beauty is a gift of the gods. Some receive it plentifully, others are denied it. Yet when beauty is envied and sought after by mortals, the gods are disrespected!
You tremble, child. Do you not know me? Have you not spoken of me in your days? I go by many names. Cytherea and Cypris, Hathor--to the Egyptians, Aphrodite--to the Greeks (like your Fox),Acidalia and Cerigo. But perhaps you know me best as Venus. These names do not rise awareness in you? Child, have you no devotion! You were raised to revere a single name, but you cannot recognize the plurality of divine nature? Pity. I am your Ungit. The incarnate devotion of the black stone in your temples. And yet you still have no fear! A fool of a woman, by the gods. Do you not know the tasks I arranged for Psyche--impossible and treacherous. I admire her human propensity to succeed, even if for the love of my divine son. But you, snake, are not to be praised for your actions. Where Psyche continued on in pursuit of truest love and affection, you have only pursued her out of jealousy.
You believe me a liar? Have you no knowledge of the gods who created you? We wrote your story, child! We allowed for events to take place and permitted Psyche's beauty to last. Your myths and legends are twisted renditions of true events. You try to bring little Psyche down to your pathetic human level! What is it that humans fail to understand about stories? Do they think they have the propensity to create as we do? To rewrite nature? You are mistaken if you feel that you are in possession of true knowledge regarding the affairs of Istra. Hers is a tale of greatness, thought I did not admire her until after Zeus' blessing. Her mortal likeness was shed to reveal the true goddess inside her. Anything besides what we have told is lies.
Your human myths are not for truth, Orual. The myths and legends are tools for you mortals to find meaning. We have designated men, priests, to receive our divine messages. Not all men will receive a privilege of being visited by the gods as you have. But twisting the truth, aside from your jealousy, is the greatest crime! Your days will be filled with woe and anguish. You will not find rest. Your propensity for lies has condemned you to be a beggar and a worm. Do not look to me for mercy. Psyche will be admired for her pursuit of truest love, while you and your sister Redival will be remembered for your treachery."
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