Who is that? I need to get to Estel! Zerine thought, her heart racing. She tried to move, but found she was frozen in place.
Fuck I can’t move!
She tried to speak and found she couldn’t do that either.
Shit, shit, shit! she thought, panic rising within her.
She strained at the invisible restraints, but with no luck. Her entire body hadn’t moved, not even a twitch. Even her eyes were frozen, looking at the being and Estel. She got her panic under control and slowly relaxed.
The being appeared to be a human male who was tall with broad shoulders. As for the beings’ hair well, as she watched, its color turned to dark brown, then shifted to a dark red, then changed once more.
“Hi! Sorry, if this is rude, but have we met? You know my name, but I don’t seem to know yours,” Estel said cheerfully, looking up at the being.
Zerine’s heart pounded again as swirling dark green eyes glanced her way, then down at Estel as the man smiled.
“Hmm, I guess this would be our first meeting. I’m what you call a God. Specifically, the God of magic and knowledge,” the God said with a kind smile.
“Wow! Umm, nice to meet you,” Estel said. Acting like a godly visit was a completely normal thing.
Meanwhile, a dumbfounded Zerine was reeling from this revelation and that her instinct was telling her that it was only a half truth, which made her internal alarm bells start ringing.
Good gods Estel, Zerine thought, wishing she could do a face palm right now. Come on Estel, ask the right questions like we talked about. Remember those times I read you books about gods, she thought, exasperated.
“If you’re the God of this temple, why did you show up here, right now, and in front of me? Because I don’t know if I’m worthy,” Estel wondered nervously.
“Modesty, good, good,” the God said, chuckling. “I’m here because of you, young one.”
Estel’s mint green eyes went wide, even glowing brighter than normal from her surprise.
Estel you are too innocent. Why else would he be here? Literally everyone else is froze but for you, she thought.
“Well, as for the reason I’m here, I was wondering, would you like to be blessed?” the God wondered.
Estel stared in even more shock for a moment before blurting out a squeak, “What!?”
The God laughed, a deep, comforting sound.
“A blessing, but I guess you don’t know what a blessing does being so young,” the God said thoughtfully.
“No, I do,” Estel said, then pointed at Zerine. “My sister explained it, but I still really don’t get it. Oh, but sense you’re here, can you help her get her crest!?”
The God’s whirlpool-like eyes turned to Zerine and sighed.
“Sadly, no one can forcibly awaken someone’s soul. But back to the matter at hand. A blessing is a mutually beneficial for the God and the one blessed. We can communicate once in a while, and you gain an ability or two. As you grow, there is a beneficial aspect from the rank up that I gain from too. It’s rather a complex matter, which is probably where your sister lost you when explaining such a thing. But that is, in essence, what a blessing is. So, what do you think?” the God wondered.
“Hmm, is there nothing you can do to help my sister? And I still don’t know why you’re picking me?” Estel asked, still unsure how to answer or act, really.
Zerine internally sighed. At least Estel wasn’t saying no outright and had chosen a good question, but she didn’t really understand why Estel was so focused on helping her. Zerine only wanted what was best for Estel and if this god wanted to bless her, it would only benefit her.
***
Estel was confused. Really confused. Gods were supposed to be these immortal powerful beings, and yet this one couldn’t do anything to help her big sis, but wanted to bless her. It wasn’t fair. She had seen firsthand what Zerine had gone through while recovering from the attack. All of it was because her crest hadn’t appeared. She had overheard Ratih tell mom that if Zerine had a crest and lost a limb while she was around, she could have regenerated it easily with little recovery time for Zerine. Now that she had recovered, Estel hadn’t seen Zerine take a single day off, only pushing herself harder, even somehow finding time to help her with classes and ambient magic work, too.
And this god can’t do anything for her, but I could a get blessing that would help me, Estel thought looking back to Zerine for a moment. What would Zerine, mom, and dad say? They would want her to take the blessing, and Zerine would want her to focus on herself. Estel made up her mind. The God drew her attention as he spoke.
“Hmm, I can’t bless someone whose soul hasn’t awakened yet. But I wouldn’t worry too much about Zerine. She will walk her own path,” the God said, still smiling down at her. “The reason I am choosing you should be clear. You have four affinities, are a hard worker, you're connected to powerful concepts, and have a kind-hearted spirit.”
“Oh, umm, thank you,” Estel said, a bit embarrassed, while smiling shyly. “Now, if I accept the blessing, will I become some sort of priestess?”
“Umm, not really?” the God said, losing the godly dimeter just a little as he looked little confused.
Was he confused about my question or the fact I wouldn't want to become a priestess? Estel wondered.
She waited for more, but the God didn't elaborate.
“Huh,” Estel said. “I have some more questions.”
“Ask away,” the God said with a grin.
Estel asked a host of general questions about the God, some magic questions, and the list just kept going. After a few minutes, the God put up his hands.
“Hey, hey, slow down. I’m not the Goddess of knowledge. I can’t answer everything. And somethings you have to discover for yourself, ya know,” the God said in such a casual manner that it surprised Estel.
Estel blinked rapidly for a moment, processing the words.
“Wait, I thought you were the God of magic and knowledge?” Estel said, looking suspiciously at the God who fidgeted.
“Umm,” the God said, clearly searching for words.
“Love, you need more practice interacting with mortals, especially ones so young. I literally cringed. I know you haven’t blessed someone in eras, but you should remember to speak truthfully with those you wish to bless, as to create a relationship built on trust,” a sultry voice said.
Estel looked towards where Zerine was frozen as a woman appeared walking past Zerine, patting her sister’s shoulder.
Odd, why would she do that?
The woman was just as tall as the God Estel had been talking to and was incredibly beautiful, but it wasn’t like the other God wasn’t one of the best-looking people she had ever seen. There was just something about this Goddess. Her purple eyes inspected Estel, while she brushed a stray strand of her black hair that had streaks of purple, which was quite the contrast to her plain light brown mage robes.
“Oh, hey @#$~%,” the god said. His words echoed through Estel’s head, and she winced as a sharp pain shot through her head.
“Nice to meet you, Estel Trevel. I am the Goddess of knowledge and you have been talking to my husband, the God of magic. Also, dear,” her gaze flicked to the other God. “You shouldn’t use that tongue. It affects mortals negatively due to their inability to comprehend concepts.”
“Daa,” the god looked at Estel and changed his word, “dang it, I forgot. Sorry, Estel.”
“Um, th-thank you, but I amm… very confused now. I thought there was one God of magic and knowledge,” Estel said. When both gods look at her, cold sweat went down Estel’s back.
“We are partners. But one could say for many eras there has only been one keeping an eye on this plane of existence,” the Goddess said, glancing at the other God who fidgeted under her gaze.
“There were other matters I had to attend to, but I’m back and you caught my eye Estel,” the God of magic said cheerfully.
“Alright?” Estel said, still confused.
“Time for a short lesson, little one. Once you reach the peak of iridesium-rank, there will be many choices that will be revealed. If you make the choice to leave, you ascend and start the next rank called ascendent. After that, there are many paths to gain more power or explore the next plane of existence. Some choose to become gods. And that young one, is all we can say on that matter till you get older, much older,” the Goddess said.
“Ok, that makes sense, I guess. I only really have one last question. If I’m not a priestess, will I become some sort of puppet or something worse?” Estel wondered.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Both gods laughed.
“Oh, sweet child, no. There are gods that will do such things, but we aren’t them, and even they have rules to follow if they do anything in the mortal plane of existence,” the Goddess said.
“Are those rules what makes it so you can’t help my sister get her crest?” Estel wondered.
“No, but it’s an aspect of the soul that prevents such things. And my husband was right about your sister. She will walk her own path, as will you,” the Goddess reassured Estel.
Estel sighed, “I understand. Then I will accept your blessing.”
“Wonderful,” the God of magic said, grinning.
“So, what happens next?” Estel wondered. She really hoped she was doing the right thing and what Zerine and mom would do.
“A handshake will do the trick,” the God said.
Estel smiled and held out her hand, which the God lightly shook. A warmth shot through her entire body. Knowledge of certain magic and a sense of a new ability or…no it couldn’t be.
“The temple will probably be excited about our little visit. They will also know you have a blessing so they may be a bit overbearing, but your sister will help,” the God said.
“What?” Estel said in shock.
“It’ll work out, young one,” the Goddess said, walking toward Zerine.
“Alright Estel, if you need me, you can reach out. Till you get stronger, we won’t be able to chat for long or often, but it being you, I know you’ll get the hang of it,” the God said.
There was a flash, and then everything came to life all at once.
***
Zerine had listened to the God and Estel's conversation. When the God had said he wasn’t the God of magic and knowledge, she began to panic. But she felt someone join them. A hand patted her shoulder, easing the stress a little bit just from the comforting touch. A woman walked into Zerine’s field of view.
"Easy, young one. Your sister isn’t in danger, and neither are you," a soothing woman’s voice thought to Zerine. Accompanying the telepathic message was a relaxing feeling that help ease more of her stress.
She had listened intently and was relieved when Estel had accepted the blessing and that the God giving it was actually the God of magic and not some shady God like she had thought earlier.
Zerine’s mind was racing. Whenever they became unfrozen, Estel would be swarmed by the priests and priestess.
I will have to get to her side quickly. Then Vinyáya should be able to handle things, she thought.
She watched as Estel shook the God’s hand, and the Goddess moved towards her. The God of magic vanished in a flash, but now Estel was frozen mid step towards her.
“I let you listen in because-” an aura washed over the room interrupting the Goddess. Zerine’s stress rocked back, matching her racing heartbeat.
The Goddess looked up at the ceiling, “calm down. I’m not going to overreach or say something I’m not allowed.”
Who the hell is she talking to? Wait, was there a hierarchy amongst gods? There had to be, right? What rules did they have to follow and what was that power? she thought.
If she could shutter, she would have or more likely would have mimicked the frozen priestess next to her who was kowtowing on all fours. The gods must have been controlling their auras because the one that covered the room had felt like a massive hand had griped her very soul instead of the soothing feeling the gods had given off.
The immense aura faded, and the Goddess looked back at Zerine.
“Sorry about that. There are quite a lot of eyes on this region due to the intersection and odd happenings elsewhere,” the Goddess said. “But now where was I…oh yes, my little message,” the Goddess leaned down so her purple eyes were in line with Zerine’s. “You will need to work harder, as it stands right now, you are not ready. Times are changing. Old powers are in motion and people like your sister will be needed. But where will your path lead you? Will your path put you into the middle of all coming events? Or will you fall before ever even getting a chance?”
The Goddess gestured, and a chair appeared out of thin air, and she sat crossing left leg over her right. Her brown robes shifted as she eyed the still frozen Zerine.
“I know this is a one-sided conversation. I chose this mainly, so you sit and listen. Because I’ve been watching you, clever fox, and know that this conversation would last for years if we let our curious sides go wild,” the Goddess said with a smile.
Zerine was internally laughing. The Goddess was right. The sheer number of questions she had would certainly lead to yet more, creating an infinite loop of questions and answers, which the Goddess of knowledge would probably also enjoy.
Zerine had to admit she liked the goddess. She felt open, relaxed, and honest. A refreshing feeling that she had only felt from Varino, Willow, and the dragons. Her family was open, but there were always those white lies and other things people hid, which would set off her instincts at times. It annoyed the hell out of her, but she had gotten used to filtering it out. Having an open conversation with someone other than her friends, albeit one-sided, was…nice.
“So, I can answer some questions that you have, and I want to tell you about some observations of mine,” the Goddess said.
She leaned forward. Her purple eyes were bright as they inspected Zerine, who felt a tingling sensation rush through her body.
“The reason I wanted you to listen is to expand your perspective, just a bit,” the Goddess said with a small smile. “There is far more to this world than you know, and I don't want your perspective to be limited. Our visit will make you look into directions that you hadn't done before so enjoy the research. To answer your question about your instincts, well, to put it in a way you can understand, it’s an aspect of your soul awakening. Think of it as in flux right now. You probably have noticed it growing in strength, and it will keep growing till you get your crest and will manifest as some sort of ability. What ability you ask?”
The Goddess’s expression turned contemplative for a moment, then said. “I do not know. Unawakened souls are in constant change. Which brings me to the next part, an observation. The interesting thing about you is that your spiritual avatar is rather unique. I will not explain the details as it’s something that,” the Goddess paused searching for words. “That you will have to discover for yourself someday.”
Zerine knew the Goddess was holding back just based on her expression that had gone from a smile to…was that sadness? Why would that make her sad, or was her spiritual avatar bad?
“Your avatar isn’t bad, and I can’t explain it further. Not till you're much older. But our time is coming to a close. So, my last answer will be for a question you haven’t asked nor know to,” the Goddess said, getting to her feet. The chair she had been sitting on vanished.
“First advice, there are an infinite number of paths to power and all of them can be boiled down to willpower, drive, and dedication. And little crazy too,” the Goddess said with her warm smile. “Now for your answer. In your darkest time, it will come down to a choice and to your willpower. Use that will to break that for which many believe is unbreakable and forge your own path. Then we will see each other again. Bye for now Zerine Trevel.”
There was a flash of light, and the Goddess was gone. At the same time the world came to life. Zerine got up quickly and ran to Estel, who was eagerly walking to her. There were shouts and loud conversations as everyone in the library began probably freaking out, much like what Zerine was trying not to do.
“Zerine! I got visited by a-” Estel was saying when Zerine embraced her.
“I know. I saw and heard it all,” Zerine said softly, suddenly finding her throat tighten at the thought that Estel had tried her best to help her. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Estel’s arms tightened her, “anything for family. I only wish the gods could have helped with your crest.”
“I know. It’s just a matter of time till I get my own though. But we-” Zerine said but was interrupted as people appeared around them using a variety of different magical movement to do so.
Shit, I totally forgot the entire temple would be all over Estel, she thought.
The surrounding people started speaking all at once.
“The God of magic blessed someone so young!?” one said incredulously.
“What is the manner of your blessing?” another shouted.
“We need to celebrate!” someone said.
“She will have to join the temple!” another said eagerly.
“Enough,” Vinyáya shouted as she appeared next to them, and everyone fell quiet. “The council will have to discuss this matter,” she said at her normal volume. She turned to them with a broad smile. “Congratulations Estel. Zerine, we will have someone cover the work you were tasked with. Can you take Estel home? We will send a representative to your home after we discuss things.”
“Alright, come on Estel,” Zerine said, ushering Estel towards the way out.
“I didn’t know it would be such a big deal,” Estel whispered.
“Blessing don’t happen often, Estel. And from what that God said, it had been a while since he had actually done something like this, so for those that worship them, it’s a big deal. A really big deal. So, be proud and excited to see what comes next.”:
Even though it seems you will be involved in whatever craziness is coming, Zerine thought as the god's words played in her mind.
What is going to happen? she thought and sighed knowing she wouldn't know till it happened. Whatever it was, if gods were involved, it could either be really good or disastrous.
“Zerine, I think I can see magic!” Estel said, excitedly pointing at a wall that was blank to Zerine.
They came to an abrupt halt.
“Estel, what do you see there?” Zerine wondered.
“The runes for protection and the ambient magic itself. Its…beautiful,” Estel said, her hand reaching out as if she was playing with the ambient magic.
“That’s…incredible! We have to move a little quicker to meet up with the others. Mom and Dad are going to be so excited,” Zerine said, getting Estel to move even faster down the hall.
A bit of jealousy pulsed through Zerine for a moment before she shoved it down.
It’s only a matter of time, she thought, repeating it to herself.
To distract herself, Zerine began repeating the Goddess’s last words to her, ingraining them into her memory. Once that was done, her mind wondered. It felt weird to think that Estel now had a God with a vested interest in her growth. Not to mention the fact that this region has many eyes observing it.
Is the Goddess watching me now? No, that isn’t the right question. The right one is, who else could be watching Estel, me, and everyone else right now? she thought.
***
The two gods appeared in a realm that very few could enter.
“I didn’t know you would offer Estel a blessing. I only thought you would find her interesting,” a fairy said. She was lounging on a couch made from the night sky.
“Order and Chaos, I thank you for pointing her out to me. Estel will be quite the mage someday,” the God of magic said, doing a slight bow.
Order and Chaos wave his comment aside.
“So, you two are putting pieces into play. I’m curious what you're planning?”
The Goddess of knowledge raised an eyebrow, “out of everyone you see everything, so do you truly need us to tell you?”
Order and Chaos’ eyes flickered to crimson for a moment as she smiled, revealing normal teeth that flickered to all points until returning to normal once again. Both gods resisted the urge to shutter.
“Zerine’s fate isn’t a good one. Your little advice hasn’t changed a thing.”
The Goddess's shoulders slumped. The God of magic put an arm around her shoulders.
“As for Estel, she will be quite the mage. But your followers spying on the other movements globally will yield results that you won’t like. And it will only hasten mortal affairs.”
“What of your pieces?” the God of magic wondered.
“Mine? I’m neutral in all things.”
The other gods scoffed.
“Ouch. I’m hurt that you two would believe I would interfere with anything,” Order and Chaos said, pouting. Her fairy wings drooped adding to the effect.
“You’ve been watching that Trevel family, along with the dragons. Then there is that entire reali-” the Goddess trailed off, watching as one of Order and Chaos’ eyes changed. One turned crimson while the other stayed emerald, but glowed brighter.
“You really are the Goddess of knowledge. Know that I’m aware of your interest in matters far above your station as a small universe cluster Goddess. I would recommend not delving deeper into waters that could swallow you whole,” Order and Chaos’ said her playful demeanor was gone, replaced with malicious.
“Forgive me,” the Goddess said, not daring to meet the Primal Spirit’s gaze.
“Nothing to forgive. But that was your warning. You won’t get another. Be happy that it was my affairs you were dealing with and not the others. They would have killed you on the spot, which would be a shame, as you have a promising future. Both of you do.”
The Goddess looked up, surprised.
“What? I have an eye for talent, which only makes sense when you remember I have eyes that see everything. Your interest in Zerine proves your judgment is excellent and is a good choice for you, by the way. But that is if she lives long enough to get her crest. Now, let’s discuss some tasks I would like you two to handle. It’ll help your insignificant universe cluster prepare for some possibilities.”