Firefly in the Dungeon

Alice's eye flickered with the light of uncertainty. She.couldn't help but be taken aback once the Goddess beside her revealed their names.

Alice had thought about several divine names. Goddess Themis perhaps, or Ma'at. Both of them might act as an observer because their own divinity. She wouldn't be surprised even if it was one of the Norn Sisters. However, it was a name she had not expected.

Elpis.

A divine name rarely spoken by any race, and even less remembered.

"Hope. . ." Alice muttered softly, before closing her eyes in silence.

On the side, the Goddess chose not to interrupt. Patiently watching like an observer She declared herself as.

It's about how the girl's eyes widened once she heard Her name, as if she knows that name very well; How it quickly shift into a more thoughtful expression, and finally closing her eyes in silence.

Alice's visible emotions are an interesting sight to behold.

· · ·

―Hope, is a fleeting wish for desired outcome.

Alice remembered still, that she had once dismissed it as a mere illusion. Something which throw people deeper into despair upon finding their hope couldn't come true.

Disgustingly flawed and perhaps cruel. Her past self would thought so, and was the reason Alice chose not to hope.

She still remember the harsh words that escaped from her lips; One should use their head for something useful instead of thinking about a false reality―or better yet, bash thy head to a boulder if needed. Pray that it might clear any useless thought plaguing your rotten mind.

How long it has been since then? Alice recalled to herself.

"Hu. . , He-hehe. . ." As sigh turned into laugh, Alice opened her eyes. She isn't supposed to be the one being drowned in her own reverie.

Why do I inherit these habit? the girl smiled bitterly.

". . . I have, walked, a long path, filled with thorn, but even I myself, was played, mercilessly, by Fate." the girl said. "However, sometimes, it could also, reveal, another, path. Do you find it so, Goddess of Hope?"

Elpis didn't answer directly, but choose to play around, "One cannot deny the path laid before them, but to choose in which direction they tread."

Illuminated by the warm glow of her lantern, Alice smiled a little playful. "If Fate itself, permits, then. . , shall we bring, hope, into this hopeless, game of Gods, my Goddess?"

Looking at her first children, Elpis replied with a bright smile, feeling a surge of anticipation. It might be a little late, but now is the time for hope to enter the stage.

· · · ·

Standing up, Alice hang her lantern on the wooden staff. "Night, is early. Mind to, walk with me, Goddess?"

Elpis smiled at Alice's question. "Leaving my children alone doesn't sounds right, does it? Lead the way, Alice."

"Very well. . , but before that, I myself, would like to, remind you to, stay close, Goddess." Alice says.