“Well, I—urk!”
The big man was interrupted in mid-demurral as the all-mother swallowed him up in a full frontal hug, his body almost lost in folds of green flesh.
Startled by the move, he kicked and squirmed and complained, but after only a few heartbeats quieted and leaned into it. She set the warrior back, hair and clothing tousled.
The normally stone-faced fighter colored and rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, uh—I love you too.”
The green mother looked around. <Why is it only daughter Liandra comes to me unbidden? Daughter Ziedra, daughter Damay, you at least know how much I miss my children. Come.> She leaned toward Ziedra. <Bring your gold spouse, such a fine young man.> The all-mother glanced toward Cassandra. <Cassiopeia, at least you are nice to your own children.>
The gold mage frowned.
Ziedra floated down and Damay came forward and received hugs and kisses from the goddess.
Gaea turned to Vanidaar, and held out her hands. <That invitation is not just to my daughters you know.>
The red-haired mage stepped forward to receive the affections and attention of the all-mother. She waved to Wren’s brother. <You too, Azir.>
The goddess paused and she turned to focus where Daena stood with Janai. The goddess’ attention made the auburn-haired savant stiffen. Gaea stared at her in silence for a long while.
The air around them seemed to cool, and the atmosphere grew heavy. Bannor felt a pressure behind his eyes. The group around Gaea fidgeted in nervous anticipation as the silence went on.
The green mother sniffed and tears welled in her great dark eyes. <Kumiko Danai.> She put her hands to her face. Her mental voice dropped. <You are—restored.> Gaea’s brow furrowed, she looked down to Wren and pinched her.
“Ow!” The blonde savant reeled back a step, grabbing her arm. “Mother!”
<Why didn’t you bring her to me sooner?> Gaea asked with a scowl.
“I didn’t have a way to do that!” Wren complained.
<Don’t tell fibs,> Gaea growled. <When you wanted my help you found a way.>
Wren sighed and hung her head. “Yes, Mother.”
The green mother focused back on Daena, who had flinched at Gaea’s abrupt attack on Wren. <Kumiko, please don’t hang back, it makes my heart ache. You are the first to return to me.> She held out her arms.
Daena hesitated, glowing green eyes wide as she stared up at the all-mother.
Janai pushed on her. “Go.”
The girl looked to the second princess, uncertainty on her face. Janai pushed on her again.
Daena drew a breath and took a few tentative steps forward.
Gaea smiled for her.
The youngest savant finally moved within reach and Gaea slowly gathered her close. Daena shuddered in the all-mother’s embrace, and Bannor realized she was crying.
The goddess stroked Daena’s hair making hushing sounds. <Yes, Daughter, this mother more than accepts you. You are my cherished love.> Still hugging Daena, Gaea’s head came up and she focused on Janai.
The second princess of Malan blinked, her amber eyes going wide. She pressed her hands together and bowed.
The all-mother sniffed as she stared at the Elven lady. <It is a good thing you have not taken advantage of her. I would be very cross.>
Janai swallowed and nodded.
That powerful gaze swung to Sarai. His wife-to-be stiffened. She bowed like Janai had done. <My all but wed-daughter. You don’t want Kumiko to have your One?>
Sarai’s violet eyes widened. “No,” she answered in a strained voice.
<You don’t think she would do a better job taking care of him?>
She shook her head. “No.”
Gaea’s head tilted. <Doesn’t she love him more than you?>
Sarai’s voice cracked. “No!”
The all-mother raised her chin. <Are you sure?>
“No!!!” She yelled, then growled in frustration. “I mean, yes!!!”
The green mother sniffed. The corner of her mouth quirked up in a smile. <Ah, just checking.> Her attention swung to him. <Little Nally, such a troublemaker you are.>
He gritted his teeth.
Sarai looked up at him. “Nally?”
“Look, I haven’t been that young for a couple decades, okay?”
<You will always be a baby to me my son,> Gaea told him. <I would give you a hug but this one seems rather—attached.> She looked down to Daena who seemed to be clinging to the all-mother like her life depended on it. <She seems to need a bit more time.> Her gaze tracked back to Sarai. <Your love is rather fiery in her devotion. I—> She stopped. The all-mother leaned forward, brow furrowing. <Wed-daughter, come a little closer…>
Sarai glanced at Bannor. He took her hand and the two of them approached Gaea.
Daena was making tiny mewing sounds, face and torso buried in the goddess’ flesh. The all-mother seemed to take no notice of it, but he was starting to feel concerned. From the affect it seemed to have on the others, Gaea’s touch was obviously powerful. Daena was almost completely immersed.
The all-mother’s chin came down, those dark eyes fixing on Sarai. Her eyebrows rose and a smile spread across her face. <A grandchild? Wed-daughter Sarai, I take everything back. I should not have teased you, that is fabulous.> Still holding Daena, she reached toward Wren but the blonde savant jumped out of range, avoiding the pinch on her arm.
Gaea frowned at Wren.
“Ow!” The savant grabbed her backside as some invisible force seemed to grab her.
<That’s two,> Gaea told her. <Is there anything else I should pinch you for?>
“Mother! You never implied I should come running to you with every little development!”
<You knew these things would be important to me. They aren’t little.>
Wren rubbed the back of her head. “Yes, Mother.”
Gaea turned back to Sarai. She frowned down at Daena. <Dear Kumiko, I love you, but you need to let go.> She stroked Daena’s long auburn hair. <You’ll damage yourself. Daughter, please…> She sighed, and took Daena shoulders and set her back. The green mother captured the girl’s head in her hands and tilted her face up. <Don’t be afraid. You will never be alone. I promise.> She kissed her on the forehead. The young woman went limp. <Janai,> she said looking to the second princess. <Come take your One.>
Janai who seemed small compared to huge Daena took the girl in her arms, apparently able to lift her with ease.
<She’ll be fine.> Gaea explained. She tilted her head. <Where were we? Yes—grand-children.> Her brow furrowed. <Wed-daughter, baby Vhina does not have your heredity, nor that of my son’s current form. Yet, she will be a true child of the line. How—?>
“I—” Sarai started to speak but the words seemed to stick in her throat. He looked to her, her violet eyes were wide as she stared up at Gaea. “We—”
Bannor squeezed her shoulder. “We don’t know exactly,” he said for her. “I was in my born body, Sarai ate some of Lady Idun’s fruit…” He gestured to Idun who still knelt before the green mother listening to everything going on.
Gaea followed his gesture, gaze finding Idun. <Step-daughter Idun, approach.>
The pantheon lady rose and stepped close.
The green mother reached out and touched Idun’s face. <I hope you are as pleased with the family you have nurtured as I am.>
Idun captured Gaea’s hand in both of hers and sighed. “Yes Mother, I am very proud of all of them, especially Wren.”
“I cannot Mother, however, my daughter Euriel and Vanidaar had both eaten that fruit prior to births of Wren and Azir. I can only surmise that a true blood and one under Yggrasil’s influence may somehow cause a true blood.” She shrugged. “I am thinking there will be future opportunities to test the theory.”
Gaea raised an eyebrow. She looked to Ziedra, Damay, and Azir. <Yes.> She focused back on Sarai. <Apologies, Wed-daughter,
I find this all very fascinating and exciting.> She studied Sarai with those dark eyes. <This form you wear, it is a made-thing, not done with my essence?>
“Essence?”
“She means magic,” he told his wife-to-be.
She shook her head. “It—it was designed by a Kriar physician.”
<The design is quite sophisticated,> Gaea said. <In many ways superior to my blood children.> She looked to Marna. <I see some of those improvements in the others of my children.> The goddess drew a breath. <The shaladen, how long will you have it?>
Sarai turned to Megan and then back to Gaea. “I don’t know. Until, the threat we’re facing is over.”
<Ah, the bad news that Wren said we should get to last,> Gaea said with a nod. <The shaladen will affect Vhina’s development.>
Sarai instinctively shielded her abdomen. “It’s not going to hurt her is it?”
Gaea shook her head. <If you have the shaladen until she is born, she will grow up being very close to me.>
“Sooo,” she drew the word out. “That’s—good?”
<Nothing would please me more,> Gaea said. <Wed-daughter Megan, you can arrange it can’t you?>
“Great Mother, you know Koass can’t tell you no.”
Gaea smiled. <No, he can’t.> She looked around the group. <Please, all of you, sit and be comfortable. I know I have shown favoritism toward my children, those I know, and those I have met before—but I am interested to speak with you all. As you can imagine, I get visitors so very rarely. In eons, I cannot remember having so many in my presence. It is actually quite exciting.>
Everyone began situating themselves around Gaea. As he turned to go sit with Sarai, Gaea took hold of his shoulder. He looked back.
<Where do you think you’re going?>
“Uhhh…”
<Oh, come here, you didn’t think you would escape giving me a proper hug did you? I think I’m owed two. One for you and one for Vhina, three if you count your love.> She focused past to him. <Wed-daughter, you too, you rush away too quickly.>
He looked back to Sarai who stared up at them. His wife-to-be pushed back to her feet. Her gaze tracked to her parents and sisters and then back to Gaea.
The all-mother gestured her forward.
Swallowing, Sarai came and stood with him. She was trembling.
Together they stared up into Gaea’s great dark eyes as she held her arms out to them. He knew this creature meant neither of them harm. The fact that she was his mother could not be more implicit. Still, it remained daunting, Gaea was nothing less than the most powerful being in the cosmos—the creator-force.
Bannor relaxed and stepped forward, drawing Sarai with him into the waiting embrace of Gaea. The green mother pulled them close. For him, it was as if he were submerged in layers of warm velvet. A rich smoky sweet scent pervaded his senses, and the strains of some stirring harmony hummed in his ears. He had felt the power of Eternity flow through him and compared to this it was a cold and hollow thing. Gaea’s essence surged into his body, pure life—pure love.
<Ah, Bannor, my first son—my brave noble boy. Always you have given more to others than you yourself take. It is something you carry with you so much later.> The all-mother hummed.
Next to him, Sarai murmured and twisted, arms spread and clinging to the goddess side, face nuzzling her flesh. As his wife-to-be admitted, she loved magic. Though she didn’t say it, he knew it was the feel of magic she thirsted for, not the power itself. Now, inundated in magick’s pure undiluted source, her face wore a rapturous expression. <Ah wed-daughter, you do love me. Know me, be in me, let our child grow strong, teach her to be passionate, caring and brave.>
Clutched to Gaea’s bosom, drinking in her love, he understood why Daena had not wanted to let go. It was hard to imagine being cherished more or accepted nearly so completely. Here there was no pain, no ugly truth, no war or conflict. It was peace without end.
It was hard, but he pushed back as she let go. His legs wouldn’t hold him up and he stumbled backward.
Gaea pulled a trembling Sarai from her side, leaning forward and placing her in Bannor’s arms. His wife-to-be threw her arms around him, pressing her face into the curve of his neck. “So—beautiful…” she moaned.
The goddess clapped her hands together, and looked around. <So many questions, and so many answers, and all we have is an eternity to discuss them. Have no fear we shall get to the pressing issues. As Wren said though, I would rather enjoy this party a bit longer. Then we shall get to the serious bits.>
It was clear that Gaea truly was in no hurry. She took time with each of her visitors, expressing interest, answering questions and offering insight. Bannor glanced to Janai. Daena lay with her head in the princess’ lap, arms wrapped around her middle. How would that experience have changed her?
He nuzzled his wife-to-be, sniffing her hair, feeling and enjoying the warmth of her body. He stroked her silky soft tresses. She sighed and wriggled against him. If Sarai would no longer crave magic, it would be a profound adjustment in some of the forces that motivated and drove her.
Over Sarai’s head he noticed Kalindinai watching him. The Queen had her head on the King’s shoulder. He remembered how that powerful lady had practically terrified him the first time they met; so assertive, so confident, a driven leader with a powerful love for her children. He had nothing but admiration for Kalindinai’s bravery, her integrity and spirit. Those qualities were reflected in her beautiful, brilliant, headstrong oh-so-passionate daughter. How could he not adore her?
He felt a touch on his arm. He looked over to meet Ryelle’s eyes. The first princess had a concerned look. “She will be okay, right?” she asked in a whisper. “I didn’t follow what Gaea meant.”
He nodded. “She’ll be fine,” he answered, keeping his voice low so as not to interrupt Gaea’s audience. “She’s just tired out. It’s hard to explain. You get and give a lifetime of emotion. It wears you out.”
Ryelle tilted her head and rubbed Sarai’s back. “She makes me crazy.”
He chuckled. “Think how it is for me.”
<Chrysandil Lathaan Diliaysus,> Gaea said. Bannor saw Quasar who had been reclining against Eclipse sit up. The ancient female’s glowing eyes were wide. <Quasar,> Gaea continued. <There are few of the Kriar people that I know, and fewer I know well. You, I know like I know my children.>
The gold warrior stared up at all-mother. “How can you know me?”
<You used to talk to me. You shared your tears with me. I knew your fear, I felt your torment. I experienced your passion and your loss. It is because of you, I chose not to block the Kriar gates—though now I have grown to regret that decision.>
The elder Kriar frowned. Concern written in her jeweled features, she stared up at Gaea. “How could that be? I don’t remember…”
<It was a time before there was a Quasar, when there was only Chrysandil, the bright star of the Kriar military. A gate and warp specialist, given the cruel task of trying to root the subspace paths of the Lokori ring. My Lokori grandchildren were most unkind. Violence and aggression were the only negotiating they knew, and they negotiated without mercy. Many of my gifts they wielded and they were truly the most relentless of my progeny.> She sighed. <I know you lost a sister, and three friends. I heard you request the build order be rescinded, only to have them send reinforcements instead. I saw colleagues and officers you had known for millennia slaughtered, even after you demanded the Daergons recall the engineering team. I listened as you sat in the darkness of the borehole begging the Lokori to come for you.>
Tears welled in the jeweled Kriar’s eyes. Her normally stony face twisted in a mask of remembered torment. She shot to her feet. “That was you?”
<Aye, Child,> Gaea said with a nod. <The ethereal subpaths are my body. How could I not he
ar the little despairing animal that had crawled in my ear? She wanted so much for the pain to end. How could I not console her grief?>
Quasar was aghast now. “I thought—”
<Dreams?> Gaea provided. <Delusions from being in the ethereal chaos? No. Fortunately, unlike their forebears, the Lokori obeyed me. They were told not to touch you, or the one I sent to rescue you.>
Quasar looked to Eclipse who now had a very grave expression. The Kriar male rubbed the white tattoo on his face. “The eruptions at the boresite, I had nowhere—”
<Nowhere else to go but the bore-hole,> Gaea said. <A little broken bird needed mending and you were the best choice. You both needed time to heal, so I convoluted the subpath.>
“We were lost for megarevs,” Eclipse said, a look of dawning comprehension on his face.
<Megarevs with only each other,> Gaea shrugged. <The outcome was easy to predict with two people who admired one another from afar but for some reason felt each other unapproachable.>
“Mother, I had no idea you were such a busybody,” Wren said with a grin.
Gaea looked at the blonde savant with one eye closed. <Can you think of something better to do with eons spent alone?>
Eclipse and Quasar were staring at one another. Obviously, neither had any inkling of how profoundly Gaea had affected their lives. Bannor was certain there was more to the story, and whoever the Lokori were.
“Mother,” Wren asked. “I know time doesn’t pass for you, and you speak of eons. Does it seem long to you? I mean do you feel lonely?”
<That’s more of a philosophical question, Daughter. Objective time, subjective, intervectoral, transvectoral, they are about quantifying decay and rates of decay. What I perceive outside myself are many aspects—possibilities—of you at once. I focus on a particular ‘now’ when that instant is crystallized for me. The between moments…> Her thought voice trailed off. For a profound instant, Bannor saw a great sadness in the all-mother’s eyes, and it made him cold inside. <Yes, Daughter, I do get lonely. Perhaps that is why I cherish my children so much.> She brushed a hand through Wren’s hair.