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Cleo almost misses the shrine as she walks by. It’s small, covered in soot, nearly buried in the dirt, and all things considered something that is not too out of place in the neighborhood she’s in. All sorts of temples and shrines dot the hillside, some just with one small candle burning in the center, some filled with offerings and gifts, but this shrine is empty, and this catches Cleo’s eye as they pass it.
They pause, crouching in front of it, brushing away some of the dirt. Something glints at the very back, in the corner, and pulling it out reveals a small, well made dagger. It’s gorgeous, with etchings in the blade that Cleo is not familiar with, and as they clear away more of the dirt and rubble, the same symbols are also etched into the walls, the floor.
There’s also an anvil, built into the wall, one that looks to almost have been made for use at one point. That’s where all the soot is from, Cleo realizes. A fire has been burning in this shrine for years, although now it’s gone out. Cleo sets the dagger on the anvil.
“Thank you,” a voice says behind her, and she jumps. Turning, Cleo finds a woman, tall and thin, with heavy gloves and apron covering unassuming clothes. “It’s been far too long since that shrine was uncovered.” She tilts her head, and her long blonde hair sways.
“It was a shrine to the forges, then, was it?” Cleo asks. They recognize the apron and gloves as those of a blacksmith, although this woman does not seem to be as soot-stained.
“Yes.” The woman smiles. “It was… well, it was mine, once. I’ve been forgotten.”
Cleo blinks, not sure what that means. Their brain can’t quite compute the possibility that this woman is suggesting. “Well, what’s your name, then? I’ve got a very good memory, you’ll never be forgotten.”
“You may call me False,” the woman says. “And what can I call you?”
“Cleo,” Cleo says without thinking.
“Well, then. Neither of us will be forgotten.” False turns to leave. “It was wonderful to meet you.”
It’s only after Cleo has returned to their study, opened their books on the deities, that they truly realize what just happened.