Macalla, the Echo of The Sun
In the time of the ancients mortals and gods were much more interconnected. They spoke to the people, gave their boons in person, and often even had family's with mortals. But Macalla was not one such demigod, nor did she lay with one. But when she was born she was treated as if she was. Her beauty stunned most that laid eyes on her, and those with the resilience and drive to approach her were blown back by the majesty of her voice. As such many who would be her suitor were too intimidated to proceed. But that didn't stop the gods from taking an interest.
Particularly the Gods of Inspiration and Creativity. They saw her as not only a beauty to try and tame for themselves, but also as a perfect subject for their teachings. Only in the later were they a success. As Macalla absorbed their teachings, and thus put theory to song. Replicating sounds through music with such skill she could make a lyre sing lyrics of a song. And it was said that her music even encouraged the sun to rise just to listen. Of course this in of itself was her own hubris.
Cel'acht was the god of the wilds, and a minor music deity of his own right. His pan flute was said to sign the start of spring, and the alarm to wake animals from hibernation. Normally affable and friendly, he was also known to have a vindictive streak when provoked. And to Cel'acht, Macalla was quite provoking. At first he was another godly suitor vying for her hand. But every time he was rejected, as Macalla seemed to have no interest in him or any other romance. But where men failed the wilds endured. And he went so far as to challenge Macalla to a battle of songs. The reward for Cel'acht was for Macalla to be his, and for Macalla a reward of her choice.
Macalla won. Her music picked by every god they played in front of. It helped that Macalla was gifted a boon by, the Goddess of Melodies, Fasola. The boon was a lyre with strings made silks produced in the higher realms. They produced a magically divine sound on their own, but in Macalla's hands it made the contest almost easy. Enraged, not just at the loss but also at Macalla's arrogance during and after the contest, Cel'acht warned that Macalla had enraged the beast. But without being concerned Macalla asked for her reward. She had wished to be trained to fight off beasts and oafs that obsessed over her. This led Cel'acht into a frenzy, but the gods watching the competition were still all there and was eventually forced to oblige. Thus Macalla, the bard, was taught to fight and hunt. A humiliated and scorned god of the wilds then retreated to his woods.
Macalla paid no mind. For what did someone favored by the gods have to fear? Destroying someone treasured would just lead to them being scorned. So she moved on, and didn't notice the eyes watching her. Constantly every animals eyes followed her. Birds, rodents, dogs, or cat. People around her tried asking why but she simply conflated the danger with her ego, because of course all eyes were on her. They always had been after all. So after a time, and deciding it was a great time to head to her favorite flower grove to practice in peace, she was not ready.
All at once the beast descended. Macalla's crossbows could have pierced their hides. She was trained for exactly this after all. But she didn't even get the chance to react, and even if she did their numbers were too great. The beast ripped and tore the once treasured musician. Each one running for the hills with a fragment of her. By the time the sun peeked over the horizon there was little left of her in the grove but scraps. But the sun, who looked forward to Macalla's song mourned. As such the sun, Solaire, scooped up the fragments in the grove and whisked them away. And the gods of Inspiration and Music went to Solaire and asked to let those fragments forever sing.
Satisfied with the scales of justice having been balanced. Cel'acht sat to play his music. But much to his surprise a sound that rivaled his own reciprocated. It was distant and familiar. Perhaps a new duet? So the God of the Wilds went in search. Calling out only for his voice to ask him in kind. Forever distant, thus leaving Cel'acht forever hunting. . .
As for Macalla, she was fractured not dead. She became the echo that responded to people when no one was there. But she also became a tool for Solaire. One that she would sent to protect her domain. Macalla for all her arrogance, does not complain. After all this is her only chance to recollect her fragments and piece herself back together.
This was a drawing done in Krita since CSP is kinda broken for me on my pc. Also! For those that have done your greek myth deep dives, you might recognize this base of this story. It was heavily inspired by an alt telling of Echo! One that isn't just her having a crush on Narcissus.
Hope even has a great day, and don't forget to stay hydrated <3
