Kakri floated down to land upon on of the top parapet of the palace, invisible to mortal eyes. Despite the odd and brief nature of their conversation, she rather liked Segennya’s newest ruler. The goddess lifted her head and listened to the breeze as it whistled past, its tidings were the same to her ears, change, but it was the occasional tones that interested her. Today it had hints of secrets and danger, faint but they chilled her to her incorporeal bones. She tried to push the wind for more answers, her efforts caused it gust, tossing the bare tree branches around in a frenzy of movement. Frowning after several minutes of the constant wind she released her hold on it allowing it to come and go in more natural patterns but not before her temper sparked and forced a miniature gale. A couple of frail branches fell on the streets and a couple houses causing the occupants to rush out, and the few people who were braving the temperatures to look up worried.
Kakri winced at their looks but turned away and launched herself east over the forests that spanned the distance, occasionally dotted with villages or clearings. She banked eventually to south to skirt the Boradi Mountain range and land upon one of its tallest peaks. She had mostly shaken that feeling in her stomach in her trip, as she stood and listened to what the wind had to say once more. It still warned of something hidden, but refused stubbornly to enlighten her. Perhaps it is simply this place getting used to dealing with us again and I am simply anxious to have a new leader to train. Satisfied with that conclusion she simply decided to sit on the mountain top and look over the landscape. So much had changed and yet was ageless since she last graced this land. Enough of this for now, time to go home. Stretching she gazed at a sight only for her and those like her, a spectacular lightshow dancing on the horizon. It was somewhat a pity mortals couldn’t see the entrance into her world she often thought. Grinning, she pulled one of her hands to be outstretched behind her and popped up in the air to catch another gust of wind soaring toward the light. As she got closer, the dance of colors became a swirling vortex that appeared quite turbulent. Kakri crossed the threshold unafraid, and blinked as her view changed and her eyes needed to get used to this new realm. The colors were clearer, more vivid here and auras of life faintly flared up everywhere, not easy to eyes coming from the muted mortal realm.
Rising high above the trees, she could just make out a few of the more earthy Gods wandering about their vast homes, carved out of mountains that almost mirrored the ones she just left. A loud rumble filled the air as rocks tumbled toward the base from one side of one of these homes causing Kakri to smile.
Are they ever satisfied with how they look? she wondered. To her right, she could see in the distance the massive sea spreading out across the horizon. Her destination was neither of these areas; the sky was her domain and hers alone. None of the others, regardless of the belief system that had helped shape their power shared her love of the sky. Soaring through it she skimmed along the clouds, moisture gathering on the hem of her gown until she reached her home which was a large cloud palace. It rose high above her head as she landed on the walkway that was lined by tall columns, which supported the roof that provided necessary shade being this close to the sunlight. Despite being made of the cloud the structure was quite solid, as she took a step forward she saw a couple sprites that attended her rushing up. Instead of making them walk the whole way she quickened her pace to meet them in the middle.
“Mistress,” one greeted, its voice was a squeak as they bowed low. “Lord Ahiel has been waiting.”
“Where is he?”
“In the main garden.”
With a wave of her hand she sent them back about their duties and to leave her alone as she went to see what Ahiel wanted. She stuck to the outside paths of her home, wanting to take as much time as possible while she thought over what brought him here this soon after her return. She squinted as the sun glared off a reflecting pool and hit her eyes. It is almost as though he was waiting for me, but why? Usually if someone wishes to meet with me they simply ask to do it in the forest below or in their homes, not wanting to make the trip up here. It must be special if he came all this way.
Kakri rounded a corner and went through an open corridor that would lead her to the garden. Several more sprites wandered about their duties here taking a moment to bow to her as she passed, but she paid them no attention. It was something she knew she would have to rectify later as several scurried away and out of sight so that none of them thought they had done something to displease her that caused her silence. Eventually the passage opened up. Several trees and bushes lined clear, cloudy paths rising high with lush green or blue foliage. Flowers dotted the landscape among the trees, and at the center of the garden a waterfall rushed to the earth coming over the wall from high above. The water landed into a rapid creek that flowed until it disappeared into the cloud as it reached the other side’s foundation. A small sitting area was placed near this creek with two chairs next to a small table which had a good size pitcher of pink liquid and two glass goblets resting on it. A man in long black robes sat in one of the chairs sipping from one. The robe seemed to be billowing smoke though nothing appeared to be on fire. He physically appeared Eiren but was more muscular than their usual build with dark skin that was almost as black as his robes; most notably he had their characteristic silver-grey eyes.
“Lord Ahiel,” Kakri greeted as she approached, sitting across from him.
Ahiel gave her a glance and set his glass upon the table. “Lady Kakri, where might you have been?”
Kakri sighed inwardly. “Ravenwood, if you must know.”
“Ravenwood?” he repeated. “Why in the realms were you there?”
Kakri's expression deepened to a scowl and her eyes turned a stormy blue-grey. “I was peeking in on Segennya’s newest ruler. Doesn’t hurt for the realm’s Goddess to know who they are dealing with now does it?”
He laughed, causing his robes to billow with the movement and almost obscure him from sight. “Why bother? She’ll be gone soon enough like the rest. Do what the rest of us have done at this point and let them all be.”
A gust of wind blew up causing the trees around the two gods to toss and creak with the force. “This time is very different than those. Even you felt the pull of her on your charges.” She poured herself some of the liquid from the pitcher. The juice was sweet in sharp contrast to her rather sour mood. “Never before have any of us felt that, which leads me to belief that the cycle is finally broken and we would do best to be a part of this new era, than apart like we have been.”
Lord Ahiel took a dainty sip of his drink pondering her words. “I will give you that; we all did feel that pull which still unnerves me. Almost makes me think she has too much sway. Old emotions though Kakri, they still run high. Do not get your hopes up that she will bring back the golden age you want for your realm, or that her reign will even come close to her father’s.”
“Oh I’m looking at it realistically. There are still many challenges for her. Too many really, I can’t realistically handle them myself since it would make her a weak ruler.”
“Yes, like overcoming her lack of education.” He smiled at her jolt. “My charges have been raving about it ever since it became official and they stood behind her at the insistence of their queen. I know partly that you had to go reassure her just now. Add to this that she does not have the full power her ancestors had, with all their resources. She is ruling a beat up country that is torn with little chance of repair.”
“That’s an old legend, even to us.” Kakri protested. “Or should I say that it’s lost to even us so why hold that against her. As for the other, it’s easily fixed, with our example and with time.”
“You are getting caught up in it Kakri. Leave morals to mortals. She will be strong or weak without your meddling. Act like a goddess!”
“Isn’t caring acting like one?”
Ahiel’s eyebrow shot up. “There is care and then there is handholding, mortals have to do what they will do. You cannot be at her beck and call like I have a feeling you are going to put yourself in position to be. Essarnis did not rely on you and you were almost in a similar state.”
Kakri rose, her fists clenched at her side. “Is this why you came; to lecture me on how to handle my realm and tease old legends?”
“Not at all, I simply know you are weaker when it comes to them . My dear, our powers easily display your emotions.” He gave a sly glance at the still tossing trees around them. “You also distance yourself from your other charges, the Eire.”
“It is partly their fault what happened did so as badly as it did! You have had little to do with them as well.”
He shrugged, “They were protecting themselves, and it was a wise move.”
“That depends, Segennya just had half a century in the dark ages because of it. I’m surprised really they allowed the old bloodline to rule.”
“They almost did not, had the humans not wanted it they probably would have championed themselves to provide a suitable one. Do not think that this means they will not later. If the current ruler proves to trying of their patience or just unpopular they might. One called Triok is the head of that movement.”
Kakri sighed and fell back into her chair. “She’s doomed then, she already pissed off Triok. What will it take to prove that though?”
Ahiel grinned, “I think I suggested something that will suit. It has not dawned on them yet what it is, but it has kept them quiet for now.”
“What is it?”
“That lost resource might make them silent forever.”
“Didn’t we already discuss this? It is lost even to us.”
“And it will be an amusing game. After all, after it was lost it all went to the Underworld. Makes one wonder if it might be joined somehow, does it not?”
“We’re gods, do we even believe in legends and superstitions?”
“Legends yes, because they usually have a basis in reality.”
“That we usually create.”
“As far as superstitions our charges believe them, so it pays to at least humor them.”
“So what, are they one day going to charge her with finding it?”
“I do not know. What they do with the suggestion is up to them and it will be entertaining to watch. I wonder if they will ever guess it was me who suggested it and remember how I love my games.”
“Yet you’re still hoping they won’t so you get a show,” She huffed in a rather undignified way. “And you wonder why I meddle; I have the rest of you doing it unintentionally and intentionally. Mostly intentionally.”
“It is not like they will remember whatever it is, and someone like their Queen will talk them out of it. I was simply saying that was the suggestion I planted. A true heir of Essarnis’s line should have no problem finding it. He simply never looked.”
“He didn’t need it! He led the hundred year peace! Honestly, you lecture me on not meddling or getting too involved and then you tell me you suggested this impossible task for keeping the peace down there. What do you want truly?”
“Just ignore it for now. They are mortals and Eiren to boot; they do not take legends so seriously now. So how is your new ruler anyway?” He changed the subject to not risk upsetting her more.
“She is uncertain and admittedly was about to throw in everything due to idiocy but she was easy to dissuade there. Her heart is in the right place but she needs to up her confidence.”
“A bit concerning though,” Ahiel rumbled.
“She’ll manage eventually. It’s still pretty new to all of us.”
“Do not get your hopes up is all I still say,” Ahiel looked up at the sky which was darkening. “Curse the season, daylight never lasts as long as one likes now.”
“True,” Kakri watched him rise. “At least the weather’s mild here.”
“A small blessing. Stay in our realm Kakri, we have no place in theirs now.” Ahiel shook out his robes.
“Says the god who is meddling worse than I am. Are we so different except intent?”
“Maybe I will have some of the other Goddess look in on you. You live alone up here, isolated. Maybe that will keep you out of trouble.”
“Please don’t. We socialize enough, but there’s only so much gossip you can take when it’s all about those who live here.”
Ahiel opened his mouth and then closed it again. “Goodbye Kakri, I will see you soon.”
“Bye, Ahiel.”
Kakri watched him walk out of her home led by one of her sprites, then flopped back a bit in the chair listening to the sound of the water. She wasn’t sure exactly what he meant for her to do with that information of his, almost a dare to her new champion. There was something else at play with this treasure quest; she knew it, could feel it in her core. Kakri sighed and drank from her goblet as birds chirped to one another overhead. He was right she had grown isolated, before being simply content to be near the sky and now living among it and rarely leaving except for rare times. The others had grown dull in her eyes, their isolation finally getting the best of her with the same stories told at gatherings. Her sprites, who never left her home, were more entertaining. They at least had different viewpoints.
This task though, despite him insisting that nothing will come of it I know better. Polishing off her drink, she rose from her chair and called for one of the sprites to bring her any information on her House’s resources. She walked through the corridors until she reached her private workspace where none but her most trusted were allowed to disturb her. Looking at the table she saw a pile of scrolls and books already accumulating with several sprites already on the way to get more. Well Ahiel you wanted to keep me out of trouble a few days, this will buy you at least a couple. Grinning her thanks at them she grabbed the top book and set to work.
Kakri found her research interrupted with an outing not even a week after talking to Ahiel and strolling through a sundrenched field filled with wildflowers and tall grass. Around her were her companions, goddesses all, with their attendants. She had the least with just one. The goddesses were twittering and chatting away at some antic someone had done at one of their gatherings as they walked. Kakri looked up at the sun, wanting the light to fade only to scowl as her attending sprite moved the umbrella one of the others had given it to shade her into place. Lowering her face she slyly glanced around and slid closer to the center of the group hoping to avoid the shade only to stumble into one of her companions.
“Oh Kakri,” the goddess smiled helping to steady her as the Kakri’s sprite took her mistress’s other side. “You would do better to simply stay in the shade then these antics. We still have quite a way to go until we reach the site of our picnic; it will get quite warm for your skin tone and hair color.”
Kakri gaped as she was released to her own legs once more. “We don’t get warm or burn like mortals. I spend all day in the sun at home if I don’t have anything better to do, Eirean.”
Eirean laughed and walked away to where the others waited for the two goddesses. Kakri followed but kept a distance from both the offending umbrella and train that had been responsible for her stumble. Eirean had a unique place among the gods, like Kakri herself she belonged to two worlds. She took her shape from just one however, favoring Eiren silver-grey eyes and golden hair. Looks weren’t the only thing she borrowed from them, she had an oddly Eiren way of things, everything had a protocol which was why she was subtlety hinting for Kakri spotted her motioning for her to be shaded once more. Lona was a lot like her as well in favoring Eiren things, frowning as Kakri waved the offending item off again. While the attendants respected the other goddesses, they would always listen to their own masters first and foremost.
“So Kakri,” another goddess bounded over and grabbed her arm pulling her close. “What has kept you away these past weeks?”
Lepah was one of two who solely represented humans along with Apoxas, who towered over the rest of them. Even now she could see Apoxas looking over the top of Lepah’s head on the other side of her waiting for the answer as well since she was never too far away. They even shared one of the mountain homes close to the others, though they had claimed a peak all their own. While by rights they should act more the mortals in their care, but they –like any younger siblings- took after the older ones, well except for Kakri.
“I’ve been busy.”
“Doing what? What could be so important in that cloud of yours?”
“If you must know I’m planning on making a new cream to keep the skin moist and have to research it, keeps the skin eternally youthful.”
“Really?” Lepah looked interested.
“You really must remember their ages Kakri, they do not quite grasp your sarcasm yet,” Lona admonished. “She was joking, dear,” she told Lepah.
“So what were you really doing?” Eirean asked. “I know you have not gone into the mortal realms, but still it has been too quiet from you.”
Kakri squirmed in the center of the group noticing that they now surrounded her as meadow turned back to wood. That bastard Ahiel, what did he tell them to get them to ask me on this outing?
“Simply a bit of research, I didn’t joke on that. I’ve been looking into some mythology.”
“We are mythology, why look at it?” Apoxas asked. “That’s for humans anyway.”
“For once the more warrior minded of us has a point,” Lona said. “What has brought this on? Planning on helping that new ruler in Segennya or something else?”
Kakri looked around frantically at something, for a distraction she saw a large pool of water that might suit. “Why don’t we have our picnic here, it’s rather lovely. Or did you have your heart set on the other place?”
The others looked in consideration. “It is prefect!” agreed Lepah at last.
“It will suit rather well,” Eirean gestured to the attendants to set to work. Umbrellas came down and the goddesses walked over the pool and dipped their feet inside to cool them. “Oh look,” she smiled grimly. “They are at it again.”
“What is it?” Kakri asked peering at her feet wishing she could see what Eirean saw.
“Oh nothing much unusual, some humans getting in a fit about having to abide by a ruler who is a complete upstart and holds them accountable to her instead of leaving them be. She actually might have to send the royal guard since I doubt they will stop.” Her eyes narrowed as she considered whatever images the pool was giving her. “Curious. They appear to not have taken the bait but have at the same time. Well that will be entertaining to watch.” She lifted her head up and smiled. “At least we should have some entertainment, more than we have had for a good time.”
“Really? I thought last year was quite lively though,” Apoxas protested. “We’ve only had a few exciting years overall.”
“So what did you see, sister?” Lona asked folding her arms across her chest.
“Oh nothing that concerns us here, it will play out as it will and for the better without our further involvement.”
A chill ran down Kakri’s spine. She couldn’t press more since their attendants motioned for them to come over to the blanket that was spread across the ground. A clear wine was poured that was rather sweet, as they sat on the blanket around platters of dainty sandwiches, fruit and vegetables. They ate in silence until Kakri noticed Lona staring at her rather smugly. “What is it?”
“You did not think, sister dear; that we forgot you never told us what you were researching into myths for did you?”
“That’s right,” Lepah cried. “Tell us!”
“I was really into some silly myths that I was told the other day about. Since we have a bit more to do in the mortal realm, I decided to look them up since I had little else to do.” She grinned widely at them, hoping they wouldn’t call the lie.
“When did you suddenly become interested in myths anyway Kakri?” Apoxas asked between bites. “Seemed you were always one of the more practical ones around here.”
“It’s the humans, let me tell you,” Lepah said. “She’s been visiting them according to Ahiel.”
“That is what he told us as well. Why do they fascinate you? In your personal realm they change so often seems you would be more inclined to our other charges that live there or simply to doing what you want here.” Eirean wondered, seemingly genuinely curious on the matter.
“To be honest I think he’s up to one of his tricks,” Kakri said trying to skirt the issue but be direct at the same time, so that they would give her information if they had any. “Doubt anything will come of it, but always best to be safe when dealing with the god that is as shifty as our brother can be.”
“True,” Lona agreed, taking another sandwich, wrinkled her nose, and then handed it over to her attendant to remove the crusts from the bread. “I would not puzzle over it though.”
“Wise advice as usual,” Kakri replied. “I’m not though. That’s why I felt fine going on this outing. Must say, it has been nice, almost tripping over Eirean’s gown aside that is.”
Her eyes met Eirean’s, and she felt that shiver again. She’s not telling us something; whether it’s something she saw, what Ahiel told her or both I don’t know. She quickly pulled her gaze away as topics returned to the usual ones of outing behaviors and the latest happenings of the other gods. She returned home as soon as she could and spent agonizing hours waiting for enough time to pass to quickly slip unnoticed as possible to the mortal realms again.
The wind’s messages, Ahiel’s visitation and a somewhat friendly warning and now this with Eirean’s visions and knowing more than she should. Something else is happening, and I need to be at the heart to find out what threatens this future that’s so promising now if it has time to take root and soar. My attendants will keep the others at bay for a while at least if they come calling, my mostly normal appearance will help that stay a long time away. She swiftly skipped from cloud to cloud over the now snow covered landscape, glad that her form allowed her to avoid sight by anyone’s eyes meant that cold was not a bother to her. Landing in the courtyard of the palace, she saw only a few guards about, but she didn’t return to her usual form. Lifting a hand, the wind swirled around her for a moment causing them to tighten their cloaks around their bodies, and the nearest door opened allowing her inside. Using memories long, long gone, she went to the most logical place for a ruler to be this early in the evening despite the darkness outside; the main hall. Inside the room was filled with people- Eiren, human, Uranysian and Inarnian alike all in their finest though there were plenty that couldn’t be above merchants present. She approved of the choice to allow them inside to this gathering though she saw several upturned noses as she wove through the crowd to seek out Liz.
She found the woman in question sitting on the throne chatting to a few nobles in a gown of green. A crown rested on her head gleaming in the light, adorned with a modest amount of jewels. She made it, Kakri beamed at the pleasure of it all. I hope you can see this Essarnis, your House- our House- back on the throne. She takes after you not stopping even when all sense says otherwise. Off to the side of the new Queen she saw Essarnis’s wife and the man she recognized as his Captain, chatting to a woman with bright red hair who was keeping an eye on a shorter woman next to her with blonde hair and a patched up eye. How much time has passed I wonder since I last was here…
Liz rose, drawing her gaze back to her and walked to the edge of the dais as the last of the line waiting to see her walked away. The room turned to face their new ruler. “My friends,” she began, raising the glass in her hand at them. “At long last, we see this promise fulfilled, that the throne be filled by one who cares for the land. We can fully look to the future with Durj’s trial past us at last. Never again will we have to worry about him, and we dealt what remains of his movement, a serious blow with his sentence of life alone in Dalynus.” She took a breath as there was a smattering of applause at this news. “We still have a long way to go until we become what we want, to realize our full potential. But we are not alone in realizing this anymore; all races of Segennya have come together again to be one and work toward this common goal.” She raised her glass higher. “Tonight is a night of celebration, on how far we have come and to look ahead. To our future!”
Murmurs came from all over the hall echoing her sentiments. As Liz retreated back to the throne Kakri decided it was time to make herself known. Remaining invisible to sight she whispered in her ear, “Why don’t you take a break out on the balcony?”
Liz’s eyes widened but she nodded, her movement barely noticeable except to Kakri, handing the glass to the woman with the patched up eye. “I need a breath of fresh air and a moment alone,” she smiled at the woman. “If anyone asks I will just be a moment.”
Kakri fell in step beside the new ruler as she made her way across the window. She let Liz open the door to not startle a court she was sure to be uneasy already with her antics though it was tempting. Once the door shut behind them again she became visible causing Liz to jump slightly. “Sorry,” she apologized. “Nice speech to the masses by the way. Short and simple, I like it.”
“What are you doing here tonight, if you do not mind my asking?”
“I felt like dropping in. Remember, I threatened to meddle if I felt like it.”
“All too well,” Liz frowned. “What are you meddling in then, everything has been going somewhat smoother now.”
“Good, good. No trouble from anyone then?”
“Well, I had to send Kellin and some men who were harassing a village in the north and were threatening to break off at the expense of the people there.” Her frown deepened. “No, I cannot ask that,” she muttered almost to herself.
“Ask away,” Kakri replied.
“Triok and some of the other Eirens made Queen Milinna come up and demand I produce something to prove my birthright to the throne of Segennya. Apparently, having her word, the word of the former ruler of Segennya and a birthmark only carried by those in your House is not enough. Do you have any ideas?”
Kakri pondered it pacing. Damn Ahiel to the bowels of the Underworld! “They won’t let it go?”
“For the time being they seem willing, I think both Milinna and my mother said something to silence them. I am worried they will start up again though.”
“Let it go- for now. It won’t be too long before something else at their own court catches their interest.”
“You seem to know a lot about Eiren court practices.”
“You could say that we wrote the book so to speak,” Kakri slumped remembering her day. “So besides that anything else?”
“Nothing that would concern a goddess really. We have to stand on our own still after all.”
And this is why there is no harm in checking in on occasion with this one, she’s smart enough to realize that, unlike my siblings. “True, but still I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t interested or concerned. You forget, this is my realm as well, I have to make sure things go smoothly.”
“Then why did the past half century happen?” Liz snapped then blushed as she remembered who she was talking to.
Kakri winced at her tone. “For many reasons,” she answered, keeping her voice calm. “Many long, complicated and annoying reasons that are painful to get into. A lot was out of my control back then, I was still green as ruler of a large domain like you are now, never having much need to practice those skills and allowed a mistake to slip through and continue to thrive. And then I was outvoted… in regards to my own realm.” Her head lowered.
“I am sorry,” Liz put her hand on her arm. “I should not have said anything, if you could have I doubt it would have happened or it still might have for some reason though we might not understand it.”
“It was a valid question; I’m surprised I didn’t get it sooner.”
The door opened and the blonde haired woman poked her head out. “Liz, you coming back in? People are getting antsy.”
“I will be back in a moment, Cat,” Liz replied.
If Cat wondered about Kakri she didn’t say anything and let the door shut again. “What happened to her eye?” Kakri asked.
“It was injured when we took back Ravenwood, they are still hoping that it can be saved but something is not allowing it to heal right.”
“I’m no good at healing, that is Lepah or Lona’s areas really or I would offer to help. She hides the pain well, but you can tell in her movements it affects her.”
“Is there any relieving it?” Liz asked.
“No, you have done all you can. The rest is up to time.”
They fell silent, Kakri felt a little better on things but still wondered how best to approach this issue that Ahiel had thrown at her. “I need to get inside,” Liz spoke up at least. “Are you going to join us? Though I can imagine our gathering is a lot less glamorous than yours.