Toril Always Had Unexpected Visitors

Aglaia gave Hill an embarrassed smile, but her hands moved swiftly, gathering up every golden tail feather.

"You like them that much?" Hill asked, puzzled.

"Selûne said the tail feathers of the Sun Peacock, the Lord of Dawn's avatar, can preserve youth and vitality. They're almost as good as the water from the Evergold Pool," Aglaia said softly.

Wasn't Lathander right beside you when you talked about that?

No wonder Lathander had caught on. He must have been used to goddesses taking an interest in his tail feathers.

Aglaia tilted her head, looking a little confused. "The goddesses of beauty, happiness, and desire in Toril seem to have an alliance. They share the water from the Evergold Pool.

"Selûne said the Evergold Pool is a sacred crystal fountain and pool in the Crystal Palace of Hanali Celanil, the elven Goddess of Love and Beauty. Bathing there makes you more charming and radiant.

"It sounds like only goddesses of love and beauty can go there.

"Toril is a little strange, Dad!

"Do gods only form alliances based on their divine portfolios?"

Hill hesitated before finding the words. "The goddesses of love and beauty in this world pursue beauty and romance above all else. How many goddesses are more beautiful than they are?

"Of course they like one another.

"Even when they compete, it's peaceful. It's like the contests the Undead hold among themselves. At worst, someone's pride gets hurt."

"Selûne is beautiful! And I've heard Shar is beautiful too, isn't she? William has never thought those elven goddesses were beautiful. Shar is the only one he's ever praised!" Aglaia protested. "Why are they excluded?"

"Jealousy, dear girl. To them, power and beauty are two different things.

"Don't imitate them. Worthless fools who have only beauty to wield as a weapon will