* * *
As Kai guided us through the intricate underground maze, he showed us the different areas that elementals had made their own. Rooms dedicated to each of the different types of element were filled with laughter and magic. Leading us through the passageway, we entered the center of the elemental world they had created.
“We have been gone only four days. How did you do all of this?” I questioned.
With a chuckle, Kai said, “Happy elementals can move mountains. When news of Danu awakening came to us, they were so filled with excitement that we got right to work. In the center, we have made a place of honor.”
We entered a large room that was filled with silver framed mirrors. Surrounding the silver frames was a nest-like design around the polished metal centers. The room smelled of lavender, cinnamon, fresh cut grass and a summer rainstorm. The scents alternately filled my senses without overpowering or bleeding together to make one complicated scent.
In the center of the room, there were four high-backed silver chairs. Each chair had a different design representing the elements running up the back of it. In the middle of the circle of chairs, there was a large granite stone with a smooth top. The stone was a light blue with streaks of dark blue, yellow, pink and white running through it.
“These chairs are a gift to each of you,” Kai said, as he left the room. “Take a seat.”
Blaze walked to the one with the flames of fire running up the back and sat down. As each of us sat in the chair with our element, we quietly waited.
The stone in the center began to glow and lavender light filled the room. The light was blindingly bright. As the light softened, Danu appeared. She was stunning in a long, flowing gown of lavender. Her silvery hair shimmered down the length of her back. Sitting down on the stone, she crossed her legs and held a small brown cat tightly in her arms. The cat purred contently as Danu stroked the long fur of her content pet.
“That is the cat from Starten,” I said with a look of surprise on my face.
“Yes, my sweet child. When I saw her through your eyes, I knew she was meant to be with us,” Danu said, in her silky voice. “Such a small gesture of kindness can do much to restore a broken spirit.”
Stepping to her, Blaze said, “What about the girls? Did they have an impact on your healing?”
With a light giggle that filled the air with bubbles, she said, “Genevieve, Camille, Michelle and Lucy had very much to do with my healing. Each of them brought back a different piece of my heart that felt broken beyond repair. Their words have reminded me of who I am.”
“But, what about Snowystra. She is why we had to seek out the girls,” I said cautiously. “She is too strong. She hurt you so badly this time that we almost lost you. How can we stop her?”
“Hush, child,” Danu said, taking my hand. “I am the daughter of Arianolwyn - Moon goddess and guardian of time. I am the keeper of elements. Air, Fire, Water and Earth are my children. With you, I bring life. She will not destroy what I have created.”
A burst of icy wind filled the room. The cat hissed and jumped out of Danu’s arms. Kai entered the room with a look of anger. “She has taken the humans and insists you face her.”
Taking a deep breath, her face wore a look of determination, “Lead me to her.”
Face Thy Sister
As Kai led us through the Starten Forest that was now covered with a heavy snow, we flew above the treetops towards the river. From above, I could see the girls huddled together. Holding onto the arm of Camille was the raven haired sister of Danu – Snowystra.
“Snowystra,” Danu called, as she landed in front of the girls, “You truly are the darkness, sister. As mother predicted, without the dark, there cannot be light. But be warned without the light, there is no you. Release those girls, they have been blessed by me.”
Cackling, Snowystra threw her head back. “The pretend magic you have given them? They know that your minions have been hiding in the shadows making them believe they were gifted.”
Viv watched me with a hint of sadness in her eyes. Our plan was never to hurt them. They were never going to know that their magic was not real.
Holding her hands above her, Danu said, “I call Brighid. My sister. My third.”
In response to her words, a burning ball of orange filled the sky above us. Growing and becoming brighter, a woman with coppery hair of flames and golden skin emerged. Extending her hands to her sisters, she gripped their wrists.
“Brighid,” a voice on the wind whispered, “You will be the balance. You will heal.”
“The words of our mother,” Brighid said softly. “A truce must come today from you both. Winter and Summer are here for a purpose. Danu, while you bring life, Snowystra must bring loss.”
Turning to Snowystra, she said, “You have not honored the harmony we must have to exist. For your misconducts against the balance, you will pay your price with time. Ten years gone from this realm. When you return, you may not take forcefully what belongs to Danu and you will obey the rules established by our mother.”
Taking Danu’s hand, she said, “Sister, you gave up too easily. There will be more hardship to face as there will always be a battle to balance the dark and the light. While Snowystra may not take what is yours, you must leave the rest of the mortals. The four before you and their future generations may benefit from the gift you bestow but no more.”
Looking at the girls with a cold glare, she warned, “Those that are gifted but choose darkness with their gift will be forming an unspoken alliance with Snowystra.”
Snowystra angrily said, “I will not leave because you are telling me I must. You do not control me.”
A long silver tendril flew through the air and wound itself tightly around the waist of each of the three goddesses. Holding the other end of the silver line in her hand, a golden haired woman rode through the sky on a silver chariot. Yanking the thread, the woman pulled them up into the night sky before landing. When she landed, Blaze, Bay, Daisy and myself fell to our knees and bowed before her.