CHAPTER 19: THE GODDESS OF THE WOODS

The Azuri that emerged out of the dark forest was not a spirit like Nassima, but solid flesh. She too was so beautiful that only the word perfect could come close to describing her. She had a young oval shaped face with the same glowing green jewels for eyes as Nassima. Her turquoise blue hair was highlighted with hints of green, so it more resembled the colors of the sea. She wore it straight and long, almost reaching the ground behind her, and topped it with a small tiara of gleaming aqua and white stones. The goddess walked with elegance across the forest floor in her bare feet, wearing an almost sheer silver gown that flowed across her body with delicate ease. She caressed her fingers through the fur of the demonwolves, as they parted for her to pass by. Norrin noticed they all turned to docile puppies when in her vicinity.

“I could feel your presence in my forest,” she said as she paced the inner circle, following the mosaic pattern on the floor like it was a game. Her voice was light and melodic and she spoke in a casual manner, almost as if she was already bored with the conversation she just started. But her statement was not intended for Norrin. She looked past him and instead addressed Nassima directly. Norrin turned to Nassima who stared at the woman with a burning intensity. Nassima’s fist balled in fury, but there was also a hint of sadness in her face, as if she was holding back her tears. The Azuri glided to Nassima’s position, so the two of them were standing face to face.

“My dear Nassima, I believed no one could ever get pass my pet to enter the labyrinth. I wasn’t expecting someone would have to go pass it to get out.” The Azuri said with a slight grin and side glance at Norrin.

“I knew that monster was your creation. Let me guess you also placed the golems that guarded Light’s Reach.” Nassima replied with a steady calmness in her voice, even though she was seething in anger at the sight of the woman before her. “Was the labyrinth your design too? Was this some kind of joke to you?

“I did not create the labyrinth.” The Azuri pouted as if she was offended by the mere thought. “Also, your imprisonment was something I took very seriously.”

“So, you knew when I gained my freedom back you must face me,” Nassima growled.

“Of course, I knew you would break free and I would see you again. In fact, I counted on it,” the Azuri stated, “Even if ‘this’ is what you call freedom. To me, it seems you have locked yourself in another prison.”
She finally acknowledged Norrin, running her fingertips across his chest in a playful manner as she passed him by to continue to play her private game of following the pattern on the floor. She seemed aware of the bond that Nassima and he shared, which sparked Norrin’s curiosity.

“You told me only I would be able to see and hear you, how is it she is able to speak with you now?” Norrin whispered to Nassima, who continued to lock her eyes on the woman responsible for her imprisonment.

“Azuri are always known to each other, no matter what form they take or what plane of existence they are in.” Nassima answered. “So, she sees and hears me as you do. They all will.”

“Ah, yes!” The forest Azuri exclaimed clapping her hands together “What a glorious family reunion that will be!”

“Family?” gasped Norrin, looking at Nassima with a quizzical expression on his face.

“Of course, we are family!” interrupted the Azuri. “Don’t you see the resemblance?” She danced her way to spot behind Nassima and moved forward so Nassima’s spirit overlapped with her body. She lined up her face with Nassima’s and put on a huge grin mocking Nassima’s semitransparent incorporeal form. Nassima drifted away from her in disgust.

The Azuri set her eyes on Norrin and slid close to him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pushed her curvaceous body up against his, making him flush with embarrassment.

“Forgive me, I have yet to introduced myself,” she purred at him with a devious grin, “I am Amaliel, Azuri goddess of Doomswood Forest. And you are?”

“Goddess?” Nassima contested in a huff. “Is this what you call yourself now? A goddess?”

“It’s what these foolish men believe us to be, orhrin,” Amaliel retorted, pushing away from Norrin. “In their minds we are gods and goddesses compared to them. Why should I deny what they think of me? Why should I deny their worship and adulation?”

“Because it is not the truth!” Nassima stated. She was becoming vexed at this conversation but also knew Amaliel was purposely pushing her buttons.

“Is it not the truth? Because it seems like it is the truth to them.” Amaliel answered back. “I can send my creations into their cities and towns and wipe out half their population with a snap of a finger! To them that is the power of a god. To them that is the truth!”

“Wait, your creations?” Norrin asked, stunned at all the new revelations.

“She can bring to life any creature she can imagine. A power she squanders by unleashing beasts like these demonwolves across the land.” Nassima explained to Norrin.

“Dej, illa den nacen vasta misiyank asgriost todo a imnini!” Snapped Amaliel. It was the first time Norrin saw her drop her act. He did not understand any of the words she said, but he felt the emotion they came from.

“Nev! Nive todot!” Nassima retorted. “Those beasts were terrorizing the land! I know the true potential of your powers. You wasted it by creating monstrosities that destroyed lives and slaughtered innocent people. I had to stop them!” Nassima was now yelling and pointing her finger. Her aura glowed brighter with emotion, as did the aura of Amaliel.

“Those people weren’t innocent! You talk about destroying lives, but how many lives did they destroy? How many beautiful things were destroyed by them? Tegi moerdekak todo a zatov che airsonn!” Amaliel snarled with anger.

Norrin began to feel the conversation turning unfavorable and kept an eye on the ring of demonwolves surrounding them. He hoped their argument would end without violence, but knowing Nassima was the literal goddess of battle, he mentally prepared for the worst. He was surprised to hear Nassima make a sudden change in her temper and tone.

“You have created beautiful things,” she spoke in a softer manner. “Like the grand Godsdeer with their fifteen-point antlers of colored crystal. Or the Lionhares with their giant manes of fur softer than clouds. The majestic High Unicorns with twisted horns of solid gold…”

“The Blue Griffon,” Norrin interjected.

“Yes, and you shaped the Blue Griffon. Why can’t you go back to creating these creatures of wonder. You were using your power to create beautiful things for this world,” Nassima said sympathetic to Amaliel’s feelings.

“Yes, I know,” Amaliel responded. “I did create all those beautiful creatures. And do you know what happened? They were all hunted and wiped out by the greed and pride of men! Now I create creatures that men fear instead of covet. Beasts that can fight back!” Amaliel motioned toward the demonwolves who then sprung to life, snarling and bearing their fangs. “Each of my creations have a purpose in this world. For some of them that purpose was solely to bring joy and beauty to the soul. But mortal men do not appreciate beauty. They only respect power and death.”

“You have grown bitter and angry, and it is smothering your true spirit,” Nassima said with a hint of pity. “We may have bad blood that sits between us, but I understand the pain you feel watching the creatures you create being killed for sport. You are an artist at heart and your creativity knows no bounds. You poured your entire heart and soul into everything you design. I know every creature is a part of you, and seeing them harmed, hurts you even more.”

Norrin also pondered Amaliel words. He did not understand the totality of their fight. But he understood Amaliel’s motivation to punish those that would destroy the beauty she created. But he also believed she was wrong.

“If I may,” Norrin started with a nervous stutter hoping the goddesses did not mind his interrupting their conversation.

“On the edge of Doomswood lies a series of towers,” He informed them. “In those towers live a dedicated collection of artisans. They are some of the best artists in the world, and they sit in those towers watching for the creatures that come from this forest. When a new monster emerges, they excitedly study its manners and movements and create the most detailed illustrations of its appearance imaginable. These drawings are copied and then sent out to every corner of the world. They are meant to be used as warnings to new dangers in the wilds, but these images are so popular children collect and trade them in the streets, and people pore over every aspect of the images, no matter how terrible and deadly they are. The artists in those towers have dedicated their lives to this task. These people, and many others, appreciate the beauty of the beasts you create, even the ones that are fueling their nightmares.”

Norrin’s words seemed to soften Amaliel. She relaxed her body and a small smile returned to her face. The demonwolves by her side returned to their puppy-like demeanor.
“I have always styled myself as a maestro. I am pleased to learn that other artisans recognize my work and talent and strangely appreciate even my most bizarre constructs.” She said with a small smirk.

Nassima drifted close to her and looked her in the eyes. “We had our disagreements Amaliel,” Nassima acknowledged, “but, if you help me, I can make things right. The people will no longer have to fear your monsters, and you can go back to making beautiful creatures that can exist in peace. I will put your new creations under my protection, anyone causing them harm will face my wrath.”

Amaliel’s eyes lit up with delight at her proposal. “Oh Nassima, I have been hoping you would make this offer for cycles.”

“Why did you not simply ask?”

“I don’t know,” Amaliel admitted, “maybe if we had discussed this earlier… I am sorry for the poor choices I made. You do not know how much I regret my involvement in the plot against you. I believed it to be just a small prank to put you in your place. I only realized the diabolical nature of the plan until it was too late,” She said as a crystal tear dropped from her gemstone eye. “I never wished to imprison you forever in the labyrinth. I was only doing as I was ordered.” Amaliel dropped down to her knees to beg forgiveness.

“I know,” Nassima informed her, also lowering herself to her knees, “considering there was a gateway placed in the hall I was trapped in, I could tell that someone was still on my side.”

“I told you, I was counting on your escape!” They both laughed as Amaliel cleared her watery eyes.

Norrin not wanting to break up this touching moment, nevertheless had to ask. “So, you can help us then? You can tell us where to find Nassima’s body?”

“I’m sorry, who are you?” answered Amaliel. It seemed she had forgotten about him standing there witnessing their scene.

“This is Norrin Shai, Chaser prime class. He is the one who encountered your blue griffon. He escaped with his life and a blue feather and found me.” Nassima told her.

Norrin had the urge to be formal in the presence of an Azuri once again and gave an awkward bow at his introduction.

“I see. So, you are the one who fell into the gateway hidden below the mirrored lake. What luck you must have, Norrin Shai Chaser prime class.” Amaliel said, giving him a coy smile.

“Yes, lucky the griffon did not swallow me whole then and there.”

“You do know there is a reason the griffon attacked your particular convoy, right?”

Norrin thought about her statement and recalled back to that time, The Emissaries of the Governor were very secretive of the chest they were charged with, so I can only guess at what was inside. Did its contents have something to do with the griffon’s attack? He wondered. He wanted to ask Amaliel about the chest, but she already moved on.

“But, back to answer your questions Norrin Shai Chaser prime class. Yes, I will help you. I cannot tell you where Nassima’s body is hidden. Because that is information I am not privy to. But I can get you to someone who can point you in the right direction.” Amaliel’s playful mood returned, and she resumed prancing about the stone circle to her own amusement.

“So, who is this person,” inquired Norrin.

“Oh, you’ll know when you see them.”

“Right… so how do we get out of this forest?”

“This way!” Amaliel said before producing a familiar item from her gown, a Blue Griffon’s feather. She stepped to the wall at the center and touched the feather to the inscription. A blue portal exploded to life and hummed with energy. “The gateway will take you where you need to go.” She declared as she handed the feather to Norrin and made her way back into the forest.

“And where is that?” Norrin probed while inspecting the beautiful feather now in his possession.

Amaliel ignored the question, “I will see you soon again my sister! Good luck, Norrin Shai Chaser prime class!”

Before Norrin could utter another word, Amaliel and the demonwolf pack disappeared into the thick of the woods.

Norrin looked at the gateway, the swirling blue light leading to an unknown void, and frowned.

“Do you think we can trust her?” he asked Nassima. “You and her kind of went at each other’s throat.”

“Do not worry about that,” Nassima insisted. “The two of us could go back and forth forever. We used to have verbal sparring matches lasting for weeks, but eventually one of us would yield. The truth is Amaliel is like a little sister to me, and we sometimes fight with the wrath and fury of sisters, though in the end, the bond we share is too cherished to hold a grudge. Preserving her and I’s friendship is more important than winning an argument. Even though Amaliel was involved in my imprisonment, I believe in my heart she was an unwitting participant. I needed Amaliel back on my side, this is why I changed my strategy and tried to sympathize with her instead of fight. I want to thank you for helping me. I appreciate that you were able to bring in another perspective. Your words were kind and thoughtful.”

“Just trying to help.” Norrin smiled. “It did all seem to work out. But still I wonder, are you sure we can trust her?”

“I am still angry with her, but I am willing to push it a side. We have a history together as family and friends. Amaliel respects my sense of honor, and I respect Amaliel’s gifts. We shared our lives and our secrets with each other for over a millennium. The rift between us is not so far gone that it could not be mended. So yes, I trust her.”

“That’s good enough for me then,” Norrin said with a wink before he stepping through the gateway.

*

Amaliel wandered through the Doomswood like a child would walk through a field of wildflowers. The mortals may be afraid of the dark forest, but these woods were her home. She had nothing to fear here; she knew every inch of the woods and every creature that roamed throughout. Besides that, she knew Doomswood was not even the forest’s real name. As Amaliel was busy performing a balancing act along a fallen tree, a voice came from the forest beside her.

“He isn’t what you expected, was he?”

“No, he isn’t,” Amaliel answered without bothering to look up. “I was thinking a knight, or a lost prince or something of that matter. You know, someone dashing and charming…and Taller. This one is kind of, hmm, soft. But he is dedicated to her and seems kind. Perhaps, he will do.”

“Perhaps… Have you been able to retrieve it yet?”

“No, but my pets are tracking it down. But if they cannot fetch it, will your other plan work?”

But the voice did not answer her question, and Amaliel was again alone in the forest. She shrugged her shoulders in indifference and went back to skipping along her hike.