Chapter 6: Quiet Reflections

Kael sat in the garden behind a small house that he had manifested across a peaceful forest clearing. The energy of the universe vibrated quietly around him, but it faded into the background as he listened for the soft rustle of leaves on the breeze. Though he had unimaginable power surging through his veins, days like this told him things they already should have told him: peace was something he never lost, only forgotten.

It was weeks since Kael's awakening. He had gotten used to his new abilities so easily that it is impressive, but something was different in his life now. Omnipotence brought no challenge to him, neither the physical ones nor the spiritual ones. However, amidst this life of absolute power, Kael discovered something he never expected: the allure of simplicity.

"Are you just staring at clouds all day or about something?" The Legacy of the Cosmos teased him again.

Kael raised an eyebrow, a small wry smile twisting his lips. "What would you have me do? Rearrange them so they spell out my name?"

"Now that'd be something. But no, I said it once just to see you so unmoving. Does not seem every day you're idling away at the play of the cosmos today."

"I'm tired of changing the universe for now," said Kael, leaning back on the tree that stood behind him. He liked this tree-old, with deep roots and its sprawling canopy-its shade was just right for rest underneath it. "I want to be able to enjoy things as they are."

And the voice of the Legacy softened as it deepened with amusement. "You have certainly changed since the day you awoke," it said. "I remember when you couldn't wait to test the limits of your power.".

Kael lets out a huge sigh and tips his head back toward the sky as it stretches out to infinity-in cosmic things he now commands. "I thought power would solve everything. To be all-powerful, though; it makes you realize how precious ordinary moments are. I want to experience them too.".

There was silence, the kind Kael had grown to enjoy in this new life. The Legacy often gave him space, in understanding that even a being with no limitations still needed moments of reflection. Kael was omnipotent, yes, but that didn't mean he'd figured everything out.

That silence was broken by a familiar voice just as Kael was lost in thought:

"Kael! You're just lying around again?

As soon as he turned his head, Lyra was at the door to the garden, each step light as she made her way across the overgrown yard. He had changed since she had learned what he was, the way their interactions had grown easier with a camaraderie about them. The earlier times brought an awe-filled distance, but now it was camaraderie. Lyra also had accepted revelation of Kael's omnipotence-not more fearful, but more curious and in no way afraid to speak what was in her mind.

"I am thinking," Kael said, with a slight grin." Can't a god take the time to enjoy the sunshine?"

Lyra rolled her eyes and sat beside him. "I don't think most gods do that. I bet they're out smiting enemies or ruling over realms."

"Well, not this one," Kael said, grinning wide. "Besides, who would I smite? There's no one left stronger than me."

Lyra gave him a sideways look, and twist of lip at a smirk. "No one stronger, perhaps. But so many people still smarter.".

Kael's smile warmed him and warmed a little in his chest as he listened. Lyra had that effect on him - to remind him that for all his almost-infinite powers the parts of life he could do nothing about still existed and would always be there - stuff like human relationships, for one thing. He was glad she came with him, even if she liked to poke fun at him at times.

"Speaking of which," she said, reclining on her hands and giving a look up at the sky, "when are we going to get started on that village you promised to build?"

Kael raised an eyebrow. "You've become quite fond of bossing me around, haven't you?"

She looks so innocent and says, "It's not often you get to boss around someone who can snap fingers and warp reality".

Kael grinned, then scanned the clearing. The place was lovely, peaceful, and untouched by the chaos of a wider world. Lyra, however, made a point: it was she who had suggested a small village nearby, not too large, just something for people to live with the land, a haven for those seeking a more quieter and simpler life.

"Okay," Kael said, sitting up straighter. "Let's build that village."

Lyra's eyes lit right up, and she leaped to her feet. "Really? Now?"

Kael grinned, standing beside her. "Now."

With a wave of his hand, the scene of the field changed. Trees had moved their positions to build a natural border for the village. The gold grain fields swayed in the caressing breeze. The little wooden and stone cottages began to germinate in the earth, dotting the landscape decorously. Crystalline streams of water glistened through the village, and gardens bloomed forth from different flowers and crops.

Lyra sat, entranced, and watched Kael as he worked. His usual playfulness had been traded in for quiet, uncritical wonder. He had done feats of power before; somehow it was different. He wasn't summoning giant constructs of energy or warping the laws of the universe to his whim; he was building something simple, something meaningful.

"It's perfect," Lyra breathed, her voice full of wonder.

Kael nodded, contented. Not the best thing he'd ever put together by any stretch, but there was a good feeling in it. That's where this place would be-free of that fear. They could farm here and revel in the simple things.

"I want it to be a place where people can come and find peace," Kael said softly. "A place that is. normal.".

And looked up at him, a softening to her expression. "You really are different, you know that? Most people with your power would be out conquering worlds, not building villages."

Kael shrugged. "Maybe I've done enough conquering in my past life. Now I just want to experience the things I never had the chance to appreciate before.".

They stood there in silence awhile, gazing out over the fresh-born village as the sun dipped beneath in the sky, its colour painting over it. The little cottages stood up like silent guards, their windows all gold with sunset light.

"You know, I think you are going to do a lot of good here," Lyra said after a while.

Kael gazed at her, and he could see so much sincerity in that voice. "Do you really think so?"

She nodded hastilly. "Yeah, I do. You've got all this power, but you're not using it to control people or force your will on them. You're giving them a chance to live peacefully, without fear. That is something special.".

A warmth seeped into his bones at her words. Almost, as if he'd found at least an emotional consummation he could never expect in this life. Power was what he could do, and it wasn't what he chose to do, but in this moment, he chose to make something good of.

"Well," Kael said, a playful smile edging his lips, "I'm glad you approve."

Lyra rolled her eyes, but the smile remained. "Just don't let it go to your head, okay? Omnipotence is one thing, but arrogance is another."

Kael laughed, feeling lighter than he had in a very, very long time. "I'll keep that in mind."

As the day waned towards its end, Kael and Lyra walked through the newly formed village, the soft glow of the cottages lighting their way. The crisp coolness had the stars beginning to twinkle in the heavens above, but it reminded Kael of the unmitigated cosmos he commanded now. For now, however, he was happy to leave the stars to the sky and let his mind focus on quieter things: quiet moments, companionship, and the little village he'd created.

They would go and greet the first residents tomorrow, and Kael learn how to live a life of both infinite power and quiet beauty in the mundane.