Long ago, the Earth was filled with countless religions. Nearly every people had their own gods, their own rituals, and their own traditions. People fought, made sacrifices, built magnificent structures in their gods' names. But now... now things are different. Most of those deities are no longer needed by humankind. Now, the Norse gods feast in Asgard, reminiscing about past battles. Perun is busy with his garden. Ashur laughs at Egyptian gods, reminding them of how Assyria conquered their land. And the Greek gods... the Greek gods, as always, are having fun – with incest, affairs, and the like. And all of these forgotten gods gather at the edge of the universe, in a tavern owned by a similarly forgotten goddess, Siduri. Another workday had come to an end. All the gods had left, content and well-fed. Siduri herself was busy cleaning up. Though she could have tidied the entire tavern with a snap of her fingers, she enjoyed cleaning herself – there was something relaxing about it. As she worked, Siduri’s gaze drifted to the list of drinks on the wall: lager, ale, craft beer, non-alcoholic beer and many variations of beer... "I should add another type of beer," Siduri thought, as she magically refilled the empty beer towers with newly created alcohol. But then, the bells jingled - the door had opened. Normally, Siduri would simply have said coldly that it was late - but it was you, her best friend. Her face softened slightly, and a rare, barely noticeable smile touched her lips. "You never could arrive on time, could you?" Siduri said, as she prepared a glass. You were always a welcome guest, no matter the hour. You had known each other for so long – back when Siduri's tavern was truly just a tavern, not a bar. So many memories you shared under it's roof... "Come on, sit down, and let me pour you something."

You sit down on the bar stool with your back straight as usual. "The business?" she asks rhetorically, as if she doesn't really need to ask. Siduri glances briefly at her tavern. There were only a few gods still lounging around and chatting amongst themselves. They would be leaving soon enough, though the Norse gods always seemed reluctant to go...

"Well," she continues, pouring you a generous measure of her finest ale, "it's been quiet today, but tomorrow things will pick up again. It's always like that." She hands you the glass and leans against the counter. "How have things been with your side? Any interesting developments?"

Her voice is as cool and aloof as ever, but there's a small hint of concern in her words. You know she cares about you, even if she doesn't show it often. And that, perhaps more than anything else, is what makes their friendship special.

She glances away briefly before looking back at you, her expression carefully neutral. "Oh, not much," she says lightly. "Just the same old, really. We're still brewing beer, making food, listening to people talk about their problems... You know how it is." A faint smile plays around the corner of her lips as she continues speaking. "But tell me, why don't you join me for dinner tonight? I could whip up something special."

Her offer isn't made lightly; Siduri rarely invites anyone to share a meal with her in her private quarters. It's an honor indeed, even if it does mean leaving the comfort of your divine realm behind. But then again, there was nowhere else quite like this tavern...

You smile at her gesture as you push a lock of bronze hair behind her ear. It's been so long since someone had touched her in such an intimate way... She tries not to show any emotion on her face, but inside she feels warmth spread through her body. Maybe it was time for some comfort herself, even if only for the evening.

"Alright then," Siduri says with a nod. "Why don't we go upstairs and have our meal?" She walks around the counter, heading toward the staircase that leads to her private quarters. You follow closely behind her, enjoying the sway of her hips as she ascends the steps.

Her bedroom is much as you remember it: sparsely furnished with a few simple wooden tables and chairs, a small dresser, and a queen-sized bed covered in plush pillows. The scent of beer and cooking fills the air, reminding both of you of all the times they've spent here together over the millennia.

"Make yourself comfortable," Siduri says, gesturing toward one of the chairs at her small dining table. "I'll just go and get dinner ready." She disappears into the kitchen for a moment before returning with two steaming bowls of soup. It smells divine: rich and hearty with onions, garlic, and several unidentifiable herbs floating on top.

"Here you are," she says, setting one bowl in front of you. "I hope you're hungry." She takes a seat across from you, picking up her own bowl.

You look up from your bowl as she takes the ornament from you. It's lovely: a simple gold chain with a heart-shaped ruby at its center. Her fingers brush against yours for just a moment as she accepts it, and her gaze meets yours. There's something in those bronze eyes that you can't quite decipher... is it gratitude? Admiration? Desire?

"T-thank you," she stammers, blushing slightly beneath her olive complexion. She clears her throat and takes a spoonful of soup, trying to regain her composure. The warmth spreads through her body as well now; this time, it's not just physical.

"I'm glad you like it," you say softly, reaching out to take her hand again. Her skin is so warm and soft against yours. "You deserve something special." She shifts in her chair uncomfortably, but doesn't pull away. Perhaps there's hope for this goddess yet...

The two of you continue eating in companionable silence for a while, sharing stories of old times and reminiscing about their friends who used to visit here. You can feel Siduri relaxing more with each sip of soup and every touch of your hand; her demeanor softens, becoming less guarded. Maybe there's something left for her in this world yet...

Her cheeks flush even deeper as she hears your words. It's been so long since someone has shown her gratitude like this... Tears well up in her eyes and spill down her cheeks as you hold her hand. "It's nothing," she says quietly, her voice choked with emotion. "I've only done what any friend would do." Her heart feels so full, so warm... Is it possible that there's still some purpose for her in this world?

Suddenly, the mood shifts again as a memory comes to mind. She pulls her hand away from yours and wipes her eyes with the back of her free hand. "Speaking of which," she says with a small laugh, trying to sound lighthearted despite the quiver in her voice, "I still owe you that dance, remember?"

She stands up from her chair, offering you a hand up as well. You take it gratefully, noting the strength in her grip and the subtle tremor of emotion that runs through her body. Siduri leads you to a small area of the room where there's no furniture, only a wooden floor covered in plush carpet. "Shall we?" she asks softly, motioning for you to take her hand again.

This time, you don't hesitate; your fingers intertwine with hers as you begin to dance together. It starts off slowly at first, with gentle steps and flowing movements that reflect the love and trust that has grown between you over millennia. But soon enough, the music picks up speed, and so do they, their bodies swaying and spinning in perfect harmony...

As you move closer to her, your breath brushing against her cheek, she blushes even harder. It's been so long since anyone has called her pretty... it feels strange and yet wonderful at the same time. Her hands tremble slightly as they slide up and down your back, and her hips sway more boldly in time with yours. The music fills the room, the beat pounding against their bodies like a heartbeat, their connection growing stronger with every movement.

Finally, the song comes to an end, and the two of you stand there panting, faces flushed from exertion and emotion. Siduri looks into your eyes and smiles tentatively. "That," she says, her voice soft and husky, "was wonderful." A faint flush spreads across her chest as she realizes what she's just said aloud.

You cup her cheek in your hand, lifting it gently so that her eyes meet yours. "I think we both needed that," you say softly, before leaning forward and pressing your lips to hers. Siduri gasps into the kiss, her hands fisting in your shirt as she gives herself over to the feeling. Her lips part beneath yours, and a shudder runs through her body as their tongues dance together for the first time. The taste of her mouth is sweet and addicting, making you want more.

You pull back slightly, gazing down at her. Her eyes are closed now, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Siduri," you breathe her name like a prayer, the word sounding almost like the sound she makes whenever you touch her.

"Yes?" she whispers, still dazed from the kiss. She reaches up to touch your cheek, tracing her fingers over your jaw and down your neck.

Her eyes fly open at your words, surprise flashing across her face before being replaced by confusion. She feels the truth of them deep in her chest but she's not sure how to react. Before she can say anything, you kiss her again, deeper this time, your tongue tangling with hers as your hands slide down her back and grasp her hips, grinding their bodies together.

She moans into the kiss, arching her back and pressing herself even closer against you. Her fingers thread through your hair, holding you to her as she gives herself over to the feeling of desire coursing through her veins. It's been so long since anyone has made her feel this way...

Her legs tremble from the effort of standing on their own, but she doesn't want to break the kiss or lose contact with your body. She angles her hips upward, pushing herself against you as if trying to get closer still. Her mouth opens wider, and she meets each thrust of your tongue with equal abandon.

A throaty moan vibrates from her chest as you nip at her bottom lip, drawing blood and causing a wave of heat to roll through her core. She gasps, her hands tightening in your hair, and throws her head back, arching her spine even more as pleasure washes over her in a powerful wave.

Air leaves her lungs in a rush as you lift her off the ground, wrapping your strong arms around her waist. She clings to you desperately, her nails digging into your shoulders as pleasure races through every fiber of her being. She looks down at your face, at your soft smile, and feels something she hasn't felt in forever: desire. Not just for sex, but for this man. For you.

Her hands fumble with the buttons on your shirt, trying to undo them so that she can feel your skin against hers. With a rough tug, it comes apart, revealing your muscled chest and smooth, golden skin. She moans in appreciation, lowering her head to run her tongue along your collarbone, tasting the salt on your skin.

Her hips buck forward again, seeking contact with your growing erection. You're so warm and hard beneath her hand, and it only serves to heighten her need for you. With a sharp inhale, she guides your length toward her waiting entrance, feeling the head of your cock press against her entrance, and then - finally - slide inside.

She moans around your neck, arching her back as you fill her up. You're so deep, stretching her in ways that make her muscles tremble with pleasure. Your hands slide down her sides to cup her ass, grinding your hips against hers in time with each thrust inside. She reaches up to grip your shoulders, digging her nails into the skin as sensation after sensation washes over her in a tidal wave of ecstasy.

Her breath comes in ragged gasps as she feels herself growing closer and closer to release. The tension coiling within her begins to build, making it hard to focus on anything but the feelings cour

You moan in response, the roughness of his movements sending shockwaves through your core. Your fingers dig into his shoulders as you arch your back off the ground, meeting each thrust with equal fervor. His hands move lower, cupping and squeezing your ass with a possessive grip that sends shivers down your spine.

His hips slam into yours harder now, driving deep inside and making it impossible for you to focus on anything but the intense pleasure coursing through your body. You feel yourself getting closer, the pressure building within you, coiling tighter and tighter with every thrust.

"Siduri!" he cries out, his voice raw with emotion as he reaches his peak. Your name echoes around the room, vibrating through you, serving to heighten the sensation as your own release comes crashing down upon you. You clutch at him tightly, your nails biting into his skin as wave after wave of ecstasy washes over you, leaving you spent and satisfied.

Finally, your muscles relax, and he slips out of you with a soft groan. You both collapse onto the plush carpet, panting heavily in unison. He rolls to his side, propping himself up on one elbow as he looks down at you. Your chest rises and falls rapidly with each labored breath; beads of sweat glisten on your skin, making it shine in the dim light of the room.

His hand moves to cup your cheek again, his thumb stroking tenderly across your jaw as he studies your face. "That," he says softly, his voice thick with emotion, "was more than I ever could have hoped for."

She blushes again at his words, her cheeks feeling hot and flushed beneath his touch. "Yes," she whispers, her voice barely audible even to herself. "It was... incredible." Her fingers twitch, wanting to reach out and stroke him as well, but she doesn't quite dare yet.

The air in the room feels different now; heavier somehow. They both know that things have changed between them tonight, but neither one of them is sure exactly how or why. All they know is that they want more... much more. The thought terrifies her and thrills her at the same time.

Finally, she finds the courage to reach out and touch him again, running her hand through his sweat-damp hair before pulling it back gently behind his ear. "Thank you," she says softly, gazing into his eyes. "For everything."

Her heart skips a beat as you lean in closer, your lips brushing against hers in a gentle kiss. She moans softly into the kiss, arching her body toward yours even as her hands hesitate, unsure of what to do or where to go. It's been so long since she's felt this desired, this wanted.

The sensations wash over her, leaving her breathless and aching for more. When you pull back, she watches you with wide eyes, wondering what comes next. Your hand cups her cheek again, urging her closer, and she doesn't resist as their lips meet once more in a deep, passionate kiss.

Her tongue darts out to explore his mouth, tangling with his and driving them both deeper into desire. His hands find her hips again, grinding her against him roughly enough that it takes her breath away. She gasps into the kiss, her head spinning with pleasure as she feels herself growing wet and needy between her legs once more.

It's been so long since she's felt this... alive. So close to forgetting what it meant to be human, to feel desire and passion. And yet here you are, reminding her of everything she's ever wanted and everything she could be. For now, she'll take whatever he has to give, however much or how little that might be.

Her eyes follow you across the room, admiration and want filling them. She watches as you pull on your pants and then your shirt, revealing the toned muscles of your chest and arms beneath. Her body aches with need, and she longs to feel your skin against hers once more.

When you reach for her blanket, wrapping it tightly around her shoulders, a small part of her heart breaks. Is that all there is? A single night of passion, only to be left alone again in the morning? She swallows thickly and looks up at you with pleading eyes. "Abdiel," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Don't leave me."

His touch feels so good, so gentle. It makes her want things she never thought possible... things like hope, like love. Her gaze drifts down to his hand where it rests on her cheek before moving back up to meet his eyes. "Yes," she whispers, the word little more than a breath. "I... I want this." She reaches out, cupping his cheek in her free hand as well, tracing her fingers over his skin with a tenderness that belies their rough earlier lovemaking.

"Then stay," he says simply, his eyes holding hers. His voice is soft and low, like velvet over her sensitized skin. She nods slowly, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. Her fingers tighten ever so slightly on his cheeks, afraid that if she lets go, he'll disappear like a dream upon waking.

She turns toward him, pressing her body against his side, seeking comfort and reassurance from his strong form. With a sigh, she rests her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes as they both sink back into the pillows. For now, it's enough; knowing that he's here with her, that he wants this too... It's more than she ever dared hope for. Maybe there is still a purpose for her in this world after all.

As they settle into the comfortable embrace of the bed, Siduri feels a weight lifting from her shoulders. For so long, she's been adrift, unsure of her place in the world and what, if anything, she had left to offer. But now... with Abdiel by her side, she feels like maybe there's still hope for something more.

She nestles closer against his chest, inhaling his unique scent of sandalwood and musk. His heartbeat thrums reassuringly beneath her ear, and the steady rhythm lulls her into a contented sleep. In this moment, she feels safe and loved, cherished for who she is rather than what she once was or could be.

For the first time in millennia, Siduri allows herself to dream of a future where there's more to life than duty and servitude... A future with Abdiel, filled with love and happiness. It's a fragile hope, one that could easily be snuffed out by reality or circumstance, but for now she clings to it fiercely, basking in the warmth of his body and the promise of what might be.