The park lanes were covered with orange and red leaves. 

Ash breathed in the autumn air with delight. She was glad she had finally found the motivation to go outside of her apartment. 

She sat on a bench and closed her eyes, her face turned up to the sun. She had lost track of time when she heard a croaky voice. 

“May I sit here?”

She looked up and saw a gentle-looking old lady standing to her right, pointing at the bench where she sat. She had the typical look of a granny taking a stroll outside, with her long beige coat and her flowered scarf covering her head. Ash reluctantly slid aside. 

Of all the benches out there, she had to pick that one, of course, she thought, sighing mentally. 

The silver-haired lady’s lips twitched up as she sat down, almost as if she could read her mind. 

Ash went back to soaking in the sun. She realized that the longer she remained in this regressive isolation time, the less she knew how to deal with other human beings. 

Her respite was cut short when the woman spoke again. At first, she didn’t pay attention as she thought her temporary companion was just babbling nonsense. 

“I’m not sure lazing around the house and indulging in rich foods will help in finding a new occupation.” The lady smirked beneath her thick eyeglasses. 

Ash turned to face the stranger. “Excuse me?” 

“You used to be a leader. What would people think if they could see you now? No wonder your wife left,” the elderly quacked, eyeing her scornfully. 

“First, she left before I lost my job. Second, who the hell are you?”

“You’re meant for great things. Adventure awaits. But this won’t be for the faint of hearts. You’ll have to be strong to face the challenges ahead.”

“So, not only are you a stalker but also a screwy astrologist?” Ash stood up. “Stay away from me or I’ll call the cops.” 

The crone grinned. “We shall meet again.” 

Ash strode away, disgruntled and creeped out. She looked over her shoulder but the old woman was gone. She felt a shiver running up her spine. 

When she got back home, she carefully inspected the walls and windows of her apartment but found nothing except spider webs and layers of dust.

Have you lost your mind, thinking that your flat’s been bugged? We’re not in some spy movie. 

That night, Ash had a hard time falling asleep. 

A tall woman with otherworldly beauty appeared before her in her dream. Her long lilac hair was fluttering around her. 

“My name is Teshbi. I am the goddess of harmony''—she said with her mystical voice—“and this is my world.”

She showed her images of what appeared to be a faraway land. Ash watched as people dressed in unfamiliar attires, graceful women with bright unusual hair colors, godly creatures, and animals wandered peacefully in dreamlike landscapes filled with waterfalls, clear lakes, vibrant plains, and lush forests. 

“Humans, nymphs, deities, animals, plants. We were all living in harmony.” The goddess’s emerald green eyes turned somber. “But one day, a group of men decided to reject the gods and magic altogether. They founded their nation and countless lives were lost.” 

The idyllic images shifted and now, animals were getting slaughtered, trees were chopped down, and people were fleeing barren lands. She saw violent scenes of a large-scale battle, with deafening clangs and shouts, people wailing in pain, and heaps of corpses littering blood-soaked fields. 

“Fortunately, a group of humans managed to escape and survive. They settled in a secluded part of the land, protected by magic.”

The image was panning across dozens of people building cabins and settling down by the sea. There was a forest and high mountains in the background. They looked hopeful. 

“But their days are numbered, threatened by a heinous, belligerent king.”

An ominous and imposing figure appeared. He was wearing black armor covering every inch of his body. A black cape was floating behind him. His helmet had two slightly curved black horns protruding from its sides. He was holding an inconceivably large sword that was dripping with blood. 

“We need to defeat this tyrant and restore peace to our land.” The images dissolved and showed Teshbi again. “After a long time searching, I have finally found you.” 

Her whimsical white and gold tunic waved as she stretched out her arms. “Ash, you are the Chosen One. We need you to come here at once and fulfill your destiny.”

When Teshbi finished her speech, she looked at her expectantly, her green eyes shining like gemstones. 

Ash blinked. “No, thanks. I have enough shit on my plate.”

The deity’s peaceful smile faded. She looked confused and her hair froze. She could only let out a small “Huh?” before the dream vanished.